Semiconductor device with improved device performance

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip (IC). The IC includes a first fin projecting vertically from a semiconductor substrate. A second fin projects vertically from the semiconductor substrate, where the second fin is spaced from the first fin, and where the first fin has a first uppermost surface that is disposed over a second uppermost surface of the second fin. A nanostructure stack is disposed over the second fin and vertically spaced from the second fin, where the nanostructure stack comprises a plurality of vertically stacked semiconductor nanostructures. A pair of first source/drain regions is disposed on the first fin, where the first source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of an upper portion of the first fin. A pair of second source/drain regions is disposed on the second fin, where the second source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of the nanostructure stack.

BACKGROUND

The integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing industry has experienced exponential growth over the last few decades. As ICs have evolved, sizes of semiconductor devices (e.g., an area of a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) inverter) have been scaled down by, for example, reducing minimum feature sizes and/or reducing spacing between components of the semiconductor devices, which has increased device density (e.g., a number of semiconductor devices integrated in a given area). However, as the sizes of semiconductor devices continue to be scaled down, it is becoming increase difficult to improve device performance of the semiconductors devices (e.g., increase switching speed, reduce current imbalance, reduce read/write times, etc.) without negatively affecting the device density. Thus, advancements in the IC manufacturing industry that improve the device performance of the semiconductors devices without negatively impacting device density are needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrates isometric views of some embodiments of an integrated chip (IC) comprising a semiconductor device with improved device performance.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrates cross-sectional views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 1A-1B taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrates cross-sectional views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 1A-1B taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC of FIG. 8A taken along line F-F of FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate cross-sectional views of some other embodiments of the IC of FIG. 11A taken along line J-J of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC of FIG. 11A taken along line J-J of FIG. 11B.

FIGS. 14A-14C through FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate a series of various views of some embodiments of a method for forming some embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 30 illustrates a flowchart of some embodiments of a method for forming an integrated chip (IC) comprising a semiconductor device with improved device performance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In some embodiments, an integrated chip (IC) comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., logic gate, inverter, latch, static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), etc.). The semiconductor device comprises a plurality of field-effect transistors (FETs). The plurality of FETs comprises n-channel FETs and p-channel FETs. The n-channel FETs and the p-channel FET are electrically coupled together in a predefined manner to form the semiconductor device. Typically, the FETs are all of a same technology. For example, all of the FETs of the semiconductor device may be fin field-effect transistor (FinFETs), all of the FETs of the semiconductor device may be gate-all-around FETs (GAAFETs), etc.

One challenge with the above semiconductor device is improving device performance (e.g., increased switching speed, reduced power consumption, reduced current imbalance, reduced read/write times, etc.) without negatively impacting device density and/or introducing unacceptable processing challenges (e.g., random source/drain merging). For example, in embodiments in which all of the FETs of the semiconductor device are GAAFETs, for a given size (e.g., area), the p-channel GAAFET may have a lower “ON” current (I_(ON)) (e.g., drain current) than the n-channel GAAFET, thereby resulting in a current imbalance between the p-channel GAAFET and the n-channel GAAFET that negatively impacts the device performance of the semiconductor device.

One partial solution to improve the device performance of the semiconductor device is to increase a width of the semiconductor nanostructures of the p-channel GAAFET in relation to a width of the semiconductor nanostructures of the n-channel GAAFET. However, such a partial solution negatively impacts device density and/or introduces unacceptable processing challenges (e.g., device density is negatively impacted by having to increase a spacing between the p-channel GAAFET and the n-channel GAAFET and/or unacceptable processing challenges are introduced due to having to reduce the spacing between the p-channel GAAFET and the n-channel GAAFET). Another partial solution is decreasing the width of the semiconductor nanostructures of the n-channel GAAFET in relation to the width of the semiconductor nanostructures of the p-channel GAAFET. However, such a partial solution negatively impacts device performance (e.g., decreases switching speed) due to the decreased width of the semiconductor nanostructure of the n-channel GAAFET reducing the I_(ON) of the n-channel GAAFET.

Various embodiments of the present application are directed toward an integrated chip (IC) comprising a semiconductor device (e.g., an inverter) with improved device performance. The semiconductor device comprises a n-channel GAAFET and a p-channel FinFET. The n-channel GAAFET comprises a pair of first source/drain regions disposed over a semiconductor substrate. Further, the n-channel GAAFET comprises a semiconductor nanostructure spaced from the semiconductor substrate and extending between the first source/drain regions, where the semiconductor nanostructure has a first lattice orientation. The p-channel FinFET comprises a pair of second source/drain regions disposed over the semiconductor substrate and spaced from the first source/drain regions. Further, the p-channel FinFET comprises a semiconductor fin disposed over the semiconductor substrate and spaced from the semiconductor nanostructure, where the semiconductor fin extends between the second source/drain regions, and where the semiconductor fin has a second lattice orientation different than the first lattice orientation.

Because the semiconductor device comprises the n-channel GAAFET and the p-channel FinFET, and because the semiconductor nanostructure has the first lattice orientation and the semiconductor fin has the second lattice orientation, the semiconductor device has improved device performance. For example, the semiconductor device may have improved device performance (e.g., reduced current imbalance) due to the p-channel FinFET having a higher I_(ON) than a p-channel GAAFET having a same size (e.g., area) of the p-channel FinFET (e.g., due to the second lattice orientation causing the p-channel FinFET to have a higher I_(ON) than the p-channel GAAFET). Thus, due to the semiconductor device comprising the n-channel GAAFET and the p-channel FinFET, the device performance of the semiconductor device is improved over a semiconductor device having all GAAFETs (or all FinFETs) without negatively impacting device density and/or without introducing unacceptable processing challenges.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrates isometric views of some embodiments of an integrated chip (IC) 100 comprising a semiconductor device with improved device performance. FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of some embodiments of the IC 100 comprising the semiconductor device with improved device performance. FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the IC of FIG. 1A with various features of the IC of FIG. 1A removed (e.g., the isolation structure 108, the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, the plurality of gate structures 116, the plurality of gate dielectric structures 120, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the IC 100 comprises a semiconductor substrate 102. The semiconductor substrate 102 may comprise any type of semiconductor body (e.g., monocrystalline silicon/CMOS bulk, silicon-germanium (SiGe), silicon on insulator (SOI), etc.). The semiconductor substrate 102 has a first lattice orientation (e.g., a first crystal plane of the semiconductor material of the semiconductor substrate). In some embodiments, the first lattice orientation may be, for example, (100), (110), or the like. In further embodiments, the first lattice orientation may be either (100) or (110).

A plurality of first fins 104 project vertically (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 and extend laterally (in the “y” direction) across the semiconductor substrate 102. A plurality of second fins 106 also project vertically (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 and extend laterally (in the “y” direction) across the semiconductor substrate 102. The first fins 104 and/or the second fins 106 may extend in parallel with one another (in the “y” direction). For example, a third fin 104 a of the first fins 104 projects vertically (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 and extends laterally (in the “y” direction) across the semiconductor substrate 102. A fourth fin 106 a of the second fins 106 projects vertically (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 and extends laterally (in the “y” direction) across the semiconductor substrate 102. The third fin 104 a and the fourth fin 106 a extend laterally in parallel with one another (in the “y” direction).

The first fins 104 may be or comprise, for example, silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), silicon-germanium (SiGe), some other semiconductor material, or a combination of the foregoing. The second fins 106 may be or comprise, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, some other semiconductor material, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the first fins 104 and the second fins 106 may be referred to as semiconductor fins.

An isolation structure 108 is disposed over the semiconductor substrate 102 and between the first fins 104 and the second fins 106. The isolation structure 108 electrically isolations the first fins 104 and the second fins 106 from one another. In some embodiments, the isolation structure 108 may comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., silicon dioxide (SiO₂)), a nitride (e.g., silicon nitride (SiN)), an oxy-nitride (e.g., silicon oxy-nitride (SiO_(X)N_(Y))), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. The isolation structure 108 may be a multi-layered structure, for example, comprising one or more liner layers.

The first fins 104 extend vertically (in the “x” direction) though the isolation structure 108 and over an upper surface of the isolation structure 108, such that upper surfaces of the first fins 104 are disposed over the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. The second fins 106 extend (in the “x” direction) though the isolation structure 108. In some embodiments, upper surfaces of the second fins 106 and the upper surface of the isolation structure 108 are substantially co-planar. In other embodiments, the upper surfaces of the second fins 106 are disposed above (or below) the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. The upper surfaces of the second fins 106 are disposed below the upper surfaces of the first fins 104. In further embodiments, the upper surface of the first fins 104 correspond to uppermost surfaces of the first fins 104, and/or the upper surfaces of the second fins 106 correspond to uppermost surfaces of the fourth fin 106 a.

The first fins 104 have lower portions 105 and upper portions 107. The upper portions 107 are disposed over the lower portions 105. The lower portions 105 extend (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 to the upper portions 107. The upper portions 107 have a second lattice orientation (e.g., a second crystal plane of the semiconductor material of the upper portions), and the lower portions 105 have a third lattice orientation (e.g., a third crystal plane of the semiconductor material of the lower portions). For example, the third fin 104 a has a first lower portion 105 a and a first upper portion 107 a disposed over the first lower portion 105 a. The first lower portion 105 a extends (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 to the first upper portion 107 a. The first upper portion 107 a has the second lattice orientation, and the first lower portion 105 a has the third lattice orientation.

The second lattice orientation may be, for example, (100), (110), or the like. In some embodiments, the second lattice orientation may be either (100) or (110). The second lattice orientation is different than the first lattice orientation. For example, the first lattice orientation is (100) and the second lattice orientation is (110), or vice versa. The third lattice orientation may be, for example, (100), (110), or the like. In some embodiments, the third lattice orientation may be either (100) or (110). In further embodiments, the third lattice orientation is different than the second lattice orientation. In yet further embodiments, the third lattice orientation is the same as the first lattice orientation. For example, both the first lattice orientation and the third lattice orientation are (100).

Pairs of first source/drain regions 110 are disposed on/over the first fins 104. For example, a first pair 110 a of the first source/drain regions 110 is disposed on/over the third fin 104 a. The first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a are laterally spaced (in the “y” direction) and disposed on opposite sides of the first upper portion 107 a. In some embodiments, the first source/drain regions 110 may be or comprise, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, silicon carbide (SiC), some other semiconductor material, or a combination of the foregoing. In further embodiments, the first source/drain regions 110 may be or comprise an epitaxial semiconductor material (e.g., a semiconductor material formed by an epitaxial process, such as epitaxial Si, epitaxial Ge, epitaxial SiGe, epitaxial SiC, etc.).

A first plurality of selectively-conductive channels (not shown) are disposed in the upper portions 107 of the first fins 104. The first plurality of selectively-conductive channels extend (in the “y” direction) between the pairs of first source/drain regions 110. For example, a first selectively-conductive channel is disposed in the first upper portion 107 a and extends (in the “y” direction) between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a.

A plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 are disposed over the second fins 106. For example, a first nanostructure stack 111 a is disposed over the fourth fin 106 a. The nanostructure stacks 111 comprise a plurality of nanostructures 112 that are vertically stacked over one another (in the “x” direction). For example, the first nanostructure stack 111 a comprises a first plurality of nanostructures 112 a. The first plurality of nanostructures 112 a comprises a first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and a second nanostructure 112 a ₂. The first nanostructure 112 a ₁ is disposed over the fourth fin 106 a, and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ is disposed over the fourth fin 106 a and between the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and the fourth fin 106 a. The first nanostructure 112 a ₁ is vertically stacked (in the “x” direction) over the second nanostructure 112 a ₂.

In some embodiments, the nanostructure stacks 111 are spaced (in the “x” direction) from the second fins 106. In further embodiments, the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 are spaced from one another (in the “x” direction). For example, the first nanostructure stack 111 a is spaced (in the “x” direction) from the upper surface of the fourth fin 106 a, and the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ is spaced from the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ (in the “x” direction).

In some embodiments, the plurality of nanostructures 112 comprises between two and twenty nanostructures. For example, the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a comprises two nanostructures (the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂). The plurality of nanostructures 112 may be or comprise, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, some other semiconductor material, or a combination of the foregoing. In further embodiments, the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 may be referred to as semiconductor nanostructures.

The plurality of nanostructures 112 have a fourth lattice orientation (e.g., a fourth crystal plane of the semiconductor material of the nanostructures). For example, the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ has the fourth lattice orientation, and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ has the fourth lattice orientation. The fourth lattice orientation may be, for example, (100), (110), or the like. In some embodiments, the fourth lattice orientation may be either (100) or (110). The fourth lattice orientation is different than the second lattice orientation. In further embodiments, the fourth lattice orientation is the same as the first lattice orientation and/or the third lattice orientation. For example, the first lattice orientation is (100), the second lattice orientation is (110), the third lattice orientation is (100), and the fourth lattice orientation is (100). In other embodiments, the first lattice orientation is (110), the second lattice orientation is (100), the third lattice orientation is (110), and the fourth lattice orientation is (110).

Pairs of second source/drain regions 114 are disposed on/over the second fins 106. For example, a second pair 114 a of the second source/drain regions 114 is disposed on/over the fourth fin 106 a. The second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a are laterally spaced (in the “y” direction) and disposed on opposite sides of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a. For example, the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a are disposed on opposite sides of the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and opposite sides of the second nanostructure 112 a ₂.

The second source/drain regions 114 may be or comprise, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, SiC, some other semiconductor material, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the second source/drain regions 114 may be or comprise an epitaxial semiconductor material (e.g., a semiconductor material formed by an epitaxial process, such as epitaxial Si, epitaxial Ge, epitaxial SiGe, epitaxial SiC, etc.). In further embodiments, the second source/drain regions 114 may be or comprise a same (or different) semiconductor material than the first source/drain regions 110.

A second plurality of selectively-conductive channels (not shown) are disposed in the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112. The second plurality of selectively-conductive channels extend (in the “y” direction) between the pairs of second source/drain regions 114. For example, a second selectively-conductive channel is disposed in the first nanostructure 112 a ₁, and a third selectively-conductive channel is disposed in the second nanostructure 112 a ₂. The second selectively-conductive channel and the third selectively-conductive channel extend (in the “y” direction) between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a.

A plurality of gate structures 116 are disposed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, and the second fins 106. The gate structures 116 are disposed between the pairs of the first source/drain regions 110 and/or the pairs of the second source/drain regions 114. The gate structures 116 engage the first fins 106 and/or the nanostructure stacks 111. In some embodiments, the gate structures 116 may engage the upper surfaces of the second fins 106. In further embodiments, the gate structures 116 extend continuously (in the “z” direction) across the isolation structure 108, over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and around the plurality of nanostructures 112. In further embodiments, the gate structures 116 extends continuously (in the “z” direction) between the pairs of first source/drain regions 110 and the pairs of second source/drain regions 114.

For example, a first gate structure 116 a of the gate structures 116 is disposed over the isolation structure 108, the third fin 104 a, and the fourth fin 106 a. The first gate structure 116 a engages three sides of the third fin 104 a (e.g., opposite sidewalls and the upper surface of the third fin 104 a), engages the upper surface of the fourth fin 106 a, and engages the first nanostructure stack 111 a. The first gate structure 116 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) across the isolation structure 108, over the third fin 104 a, over the fourth fin 106 a, and around the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a. The first gate structure 116 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a and the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a.

The gate structures 116 comprise a plurality of gate electrode structures 118 and a plurality of gate dielectric structures 120. The gate electrode structures 118 are disposed over the gate dielectric structures 120. The gate dielectric structures 120 separate the gate electrode structures 118 from the first fins 104 and the plurality of nanostructures 112. In some embodiments, the gate dielectric structures 120 separate the gate electrode structures 118 from the second fins 106. In further embodiments, the gate electrode structures 118 extend continuously (in the “z” direction) over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and around the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112.

For example, the first gate structure 116 a comprises a first gate electrode structure 118 a of the gate electrode structures 118 and a first gate dielectric structure 120 a of the gate dielectric structures 120. The first gate electrode structure 118 a is disposed over the first gate dielectric structure 120 a. The first gate electrode structure 118 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) over the third fin 104 a, over the fourth fin 106 a, and around the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a. The first gate dielectric structure 120 a separates the first gate electrode structure 118 a from the third fin 104 a, the fourth fin 106 a, and the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a. The first gate dielectric structure 120 a contacts the third fin 104 a, the fourth fin 106 a, and the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a.

In some embodiments, the first gate dielectric structure 120 a comprises a first portion 120 a ₁ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a, a second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a, and a third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a. The first portion 120 a ₁ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a wraps continuously around the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and separates the first gate electrode structure 118 a from the first nanostructure 112 a ₁. In some embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a extends continuously (in the “y” direction) between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a.

The second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a wraps continuously around the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ and separates the first gate electrode structure 118 a from the second nanostructure 112 a ₂. In some embodiments, the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a extends continuously (in the “y” direction) between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a. In further embodiments, first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a are spaced from one another (in the “x” direction). In such embodiments, a first section of the first gate electrode structure 118 a is disposed between the first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a. In other embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a may contact one another (or merge together) between the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂. In such embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a may be regions of a fourth portion of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a.

The third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) between the first nanostructure stack 111 a and the fourth fin 106 a, across the isolation structure 108, and up and over the third fin 104 a. In some embodiments, the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a engages the third fin 104 a on three sides. The third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a separates the first gate electrode structure 118 a from the isolation structure 108, the third fin 104 a, and the fourth fin 106 a. In some embodiments, the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a contacts the upper surface of the fourth fin 106 a.

In some embodiments, the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a is spaced (in the “x” direction) from the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a. In such embodiments, a second section of the first gate electrode structure 118 a is disposed between the second portion 120 a ₂ and the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a. In other embodiments, the third portion 120 a ₃ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a may contact one another (or merge together) between the second nano structure 112 a ₂ and the fourth fin 106 a. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, each of the gate dielectric structures 120 may each comprise a first portion, a second portion, and/or a third portion. It will further be appreciated that the first portions, the second portions, and the third portions of each of the gate dielectric structures 120 may comprise similar features (e.g., structural features) as the first portion 120 a ₁, the second portion 120 a ₂, and the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a.

The gate structures 116 comprise a plurality of gates 122. The plurality of gates 122 comprises one or more first gates 122 a and/or one or more second gates 122 b. The first gates 122 a comprise portions of the gate structures 116 disposed between a pair of the first source/drain regions 110. The second gates 122 b comprise portions of the gate structures 116 disposed between a pair of the second source/drain regions 114.

For example, the first gate structure 116 a comprises a third gate 122 a ₁ and a fourth gate 122 b ₁. The third gate 122 a ₁ is one of the first gates 122 a, and the fourth gate 122 b ₁ is one of the second gates 122 b. The third gate 122 a ₁ comprises a fifth portion of the first gate structure 116 a that is disposed between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a. More specifically, the third gate 122 a ₁ comprises a third section of the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a and a fourth section of the first gate electrode structure 118 a, both of which are directly disposed between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a. The fourth gate 122 b ₁ comprises a sixth portion of the first gate structure 116 a that is disposed between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a. More specifically, the fourth gate 122 b ₁ comprises a fifth section of the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a and a sixth section of the first gate electrode structure 118 a, both of which are directly disposed between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a, and comprises the first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a.

The third gate 122 a ₁ may be electrically coupled to the fourth gate 122 b ₁ by other portions of the first gate structure 116 a. For example, a seventh section of the first gate electrode structure 118 a, which continuously extends (in the “z” direction) between the fourth section and the sixth section of the first gate electrode structure 118 a, may electrically couple the third gate 122 a ₁ to the fourth gate 122 b ₁. It will be appreciated that, rather than the gate structures 116 comprising the plurality of gates 122, one or more of the gate structures 116 may comprise one gate of the plurality of gates 122 (e.g., one of the first gates 122 a or one of the second gates 122 b). For example, the first gate structure 116 a may comprise the third gate 122 a ₁, and a different gate structure of the gate structures 116 may comprise the fourth gate 122 b ₁. In such embodiments, the first gate structure 116 a is separated from the different gate structure of the gate structures 116 by a dielectric structure (e.g., by an interlayer dielectric structure).

The first gates 122 a are configured to control a conductivity of the selectively-conductive channels of the first plurality of selectively-conductive channels (e.g., switch between one or more conducting states and a non-conducting state). The second gates 122 b are configured to control a conductivity of the selectively-conductive channels of the second plurality of selectively-conductive channels. For example, the third gate 122 a ₁ is configured to control the conductivity of the first selectively-conductive channel, and the fourth gate 122 b ₁ is configured to control the conductivity of the second and third selectively-conductive channels.

Further, the IC 100 comprises a plurality of fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) 124 and a plurality of gate-all-around field-effect transistors (GAAFETs) 126. The plurality of FinFETs 124 and the plurality of GAAFETs 126 are disposed over the semiconductor substrate 102. For example, the plurality of FinFETs 124 comprises a first FinFET 124 a disposed over the semiconductor substrate 102, and the plurality of GAAFETs 126 comprises a first GAAFET 126 a disposed over the semiconductor substrate 102.

The plurality of FinFETs 124 comprise the upper portions 107 of the first fins 104, the pairs of the first source/drain regions 110, and the first gates 122 a. For example, the first FinFET 124 a comprises the first upper portion 107 a of the third fin 104 a (and thus the first selectively-conductive channel), the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a, and the third gate 122 a ₁. The plurality of GAAFETs 126 comprise the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111, the pairs of the second source/drain regions 114, and the second gates 122 b. For example, the first GAAFET 126 a comprises the first nanostructure stack 111 a (and thus the second and third selectively-conductive channels), the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a, and the fourth gate 122 b ₁.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of FinFETs 124 are a p-channel FinFET and each of the plurality of GAAFETs 126 are a n-channel GAAFET. In such embodiments, the first lattice orientation may be (100). In other embodiments, each of the plurality of FinFETs 124 are a n-channel FinFET and each of the plurality of GAAFETs 126 are a p-channel GAAFETs. In such embodiments, the first lattice orientation may be (110).

A plurality of semiconductor devices 128 are disposed on/over the IC 100. The plurality of semiconductor devices 128 comprise one or more of the plurality of FinFETs 124 and/or one or more of the plurality of GAAFETs 126. The plurality of semiconductor devices 128 may be or comprise, for example, logic gates, inverters, latches, memory devices (e.g., a static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), etc.), some other semiconductor device, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the plurality of semiconductor devices 128 may be or comprise complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices, such as CMOS inverters, CMOS logic gates, some other CMOS device, or a combination of the foregoing.

For example, a first semiconductor device 128 a of the plurality of semiconductor devices 128 is disposed on/over the IC 100. The first semiconductor device 128 a comprises the first FinFET 124 a and the first GAAFET 126 a. In some embodiments, the first FinFET 124 a may be electrically coupled to first GAAFET 126 a, such that the first semiconductor device 128 a is a CMOS device (e.g., CMOS inverter).

Because the first semiconductor device 128 a comprises the first FinFET 124 a and the first GAAFET 126 a, and because the first upper portion 107 a of the third fin 104 a has the second lattice orientation and the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a have the fourth lattice orientation, the semiconductor device 128 a has improved device performance (e.g., increased switching speed, reduced power consumption, reduced current imbalance, reduced read/write times, etc.) over a baseline semiconductor device comprising all GAAFETs (or all FinFETs) and having a same size (e.g., area) as the first semiconductor device 128 a. For example, the baseline semiconductor device comprises a baseline p-channel field-effect transistor (FET) and a baseline n-channel FET. In comparison to the baseline semiconductor device, the first semiconductor device 128 a has better device performance than the baseline semiconductor device.

The first semiconductor device 128 a may have improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device due to an I_(ON) of the first FinFET 124 a and an I_(ON) of the first GAAFET 126 a being more balanced than an I_(ON) of the baseline p-channel FET and an I_(ON) of the baseline n-channel FET (e.g., having less current imbalance than the baseline semiconductor device). For example, if the first lattice orientation is (100), the first FinFET 124 a is a p-channel FinFET, the first GAAFET 126 a is an n-channel GAAFET, the baseline p-channel FET is a p-channel GAAFET, and the baseline n-channel FET is an n-channel GAAFET, the first FinFET 124 a has a higher I_(ON) than the baseline p-channel FET due to the first upper portion 107 a having the second lattice orientation (e.g., due to such a lattice orientation improving the I_(ON) of a p-channel FinFET over a p-channel GAAFET). Thus, the first semiconductor device 128 a has improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device (e.g., less current imbalance than the baseline semiconductor device).

The first semiconductor device 128 a may have improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device due to the I_(ON) of the first GAAFET 126 a being greater than the I_(ON) of the baseline n-channel FET (e.g., having faster switching speeds than the baseline semiconductor device). For example, if the first lattice orientation is (100), the first FinFET 124 a is a p-channel FinFET, the first GAAFET 126 a is an n-channel GAAFET, the baseline p-channel FET is a p-channel FinFET, and the baseline n-channel FET is an n-channel FinFET, the first GAAFET 126 a has a higher I_(ON) than the baseline n-channel FET due to the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a having the fourth lattice orientation (e.g., due to such a lattice orientation improving the I_(ON) of a n-channel GAAFET over an n-channel FinFET). Thus, the first semiconductor device 128 a has improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device (e.g., faster switching speeds than the baseline semiconductor device).

Further, the first semiconductor device 128 a has improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device without negatively impacting device density and/or without introducing unacceptable processing challenges. For example, to improve the device performance of the baseline semiconductor device, a size (e.g., area) of the p-channel FET may need to be increased in relation to a size of the n-channel FET. However, increasing the size of the p-channel FET negatively impacts device density and/or introduces unacceptable processing challenges (e.g., random source/drain merging). For example, if the size of the p-channel FET is increased while maintaining a same device density, a spacing between the baseline p-channel FET and the baseline n-channel FET would be reduced, thereby causing random source/drain merging that negatively affects yield. If the size of the p-channel FET is increased while maintaining a “safe” spacing between the baseline p-channel FET and the baseline n-channel FET, the space the baseline memory device takes up on an IC will increase, thereby negatively affecting device density. Thus, the first semiconductor device 128 a has improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device without negatively impacting device density and/or without introducing unacceptable processing challenges.

If the first lattice orientation is (110), it will be appreciated that, based on similar reasoning as above, the first semiconductor device 128 a has improved device performance over the baseline semiconductor device. For example, if the first lattice orientation is (110), the first FinFET 124 a is an n-channel FinFET, the first GAAFET 126 a is a p-channel GAAFET, the baseline p-channel FET is a p-channel GAAFET, and the baseline n-channel FET is an n-channel GAAFET, the first FinFET 124 a has a higher I_(ON) than the baseline n-channel FET due to the first upper portion 107 a having the second lattice orientation (e.g., due to such a lattice orientation improving the I_(ON) of an n-channel FinFET over an n-channel GAAFET). If the lattice orientation is (110), the first FinFET 124 a is an n-channel FinFET, the first GAAFET 126 a is a p-channel GAAFET, the baseline p-channel FET is a p-channel FinFET, and the baseline n-channel FET is an n-channel FinFET, the first GAAFET 126 a has a higher I_(ON) than the baseline p-channel FET due to the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a having the fourth lattice orientation (e.g., due to such a lattice orientation improving the I_(ON) of a p-channel GAAFET over a p-channel FinFET).

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 2A illustrate a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B illustrate a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B of FIG. 1. FIG. 2C illustrate a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, a plurality of first sidewall spacers 202 are disposed over the isolation structure 108 and along sidewalls of the gate structures 116. The first sidewall spacers 202 extend from the isolation structure 108 vertically (in the “x” direction) along the sidewalls of the gate structures 116 to upper surfaces of the gate structures 116. In some embodiments, the first sidewall spacers 202 extend continuously (in the “z” direction) over the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the nanostructure stacks 111. The first sidewall spacers 202 separate the first source/drain regions 110 and the second source/drain regions 114 from the gate structures 116.

For example, the first sidewall spacers 202 comprises a second sidewall spacer 202 a. The second sidewall spacer 202 a is disposed over the isolation structure 108 and along sidewalls of the first gate structure 116 a. The second sidewall spacer 202 a extends from the isolation structure 108 vertically (in the “x” direction) along the sidewalls of the first gate structure 116 a to the upper surface of the first gate structure 116 a. The second sidewall spacer 202 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) over the third fin 104 a, the fourth fin 106 a, and the first nanostructure stack 111 a. The second sidewall spacer 202 a separates the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a and the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a from the first gate structure 116 a. In some embodiments, the first sidewall spacers 202 may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a nitride (e.g., SiN), an oxy-nitride (e.g., SiO_(X)N_(Y)), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. In further embodiments, the first sidewall spacers 202 may be referred to as gate spacers.

A plurality of third sidewall spacers 204 are disposed over the isolation structure 108 and between the second source/drain regions 114 and the gate structures 116. The third sidewall spacers 204 may be disposed along sidewalls of the second source/drain regions 114 and/or sidewalls of the gate dielectric structures 120. The third sidewall spacers 204 comprise one or more groups of the third sidewall spacers. For example, the third sidewall spacers 204 comprises a first group of the third sidewall spacers 204. The first group of the third sidewall spacers 204 comprises a plurality of fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. The fourth sidewall spacers 204 a are disposed along sidewalls of the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a and/or sidewalls of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a.

The third sidewall spacers 204 are disposed between the upper surfaces of the gate structures 116 and the upper surfaces of the second fins 106. The third sidewall spacers 204 are vertically adjacent to the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112. The third sidewall spacers 204 separate the second source/drain regions 114 from the portions of the gate structures 116 that wrap around the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112.

For example, the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a are disposed between an upper surface of the first gate structure 116 a and the upper surface of the fourth fin 106 a. The fourth sidewall spacers 204 a are disposed vertically adjacent to (e.g., above or below) the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a. The fourth sidewall spacers 204 a are disposed between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a and the first gate structure 116 a. The fourth sidewall spacers 204 a separate the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a from the portions of the first gate structure 116 a that wrap around the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a.

In some embodiments, the third sidewall spacers 204 may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a nitride (e.g., SiN), an oxy-nitride (e.g., SiO_(X)N_(Y)), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. In further embodiments, the third sidewall spacers 204 may be referred to as inner sidewall spacers. In yet further embodiments, the third sidewall spacers 204 are only disposed along sidewalls of the second source/drain regions 114 and not sidewalls of the first source/drain regions 110. In other words, in some embodiments, no third sidewall spacers 204 are disposed along sidewalls of any of the first source/drain regions 110.

In some embodiments, the gate structures 116 extend continuously (in the “y” direction) between opposite inner sidewalls of the first sidewall spacers 202 and between opposite inner sidewalls of the third sidewall spacers 204. The gate dielectric structures 120 extend (in the “y” direction) between the opposite inner sidewalls of the first sidewall spacers 202 and between the opposite inner sidewalls of the third sidewall spacers 204. In some embodiments, the gate dielectric structures 120 extend (in the “x” direction) along the inner sidewalls of the first sidewall spacers 202 and along the inner sidewalls of the third sidewall spacers 204 to the upper surfaces of the gate structures 116.

For example, the first gate structure 116 a extends continuously (in the “y” direction) between opposite inner sidewalls of the second sidewall spacer 202 a and between opposite inner sidewalls of the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. The first gate dielectric structure 120 a extends (in the “y” direction) between the opposite inner sidewalls of the second sidewall spacer 202 a and between the opposite inner sidewalls of the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. The first gate dielectric structure 120 a extends (in the “x” direction) along the inner sidewalls of the second sidewall spacer 202 a and along the inner sidewalls of the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a to the upper surface of the first gate structure 116 a.

In some embodiments, the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a extends (in the “x” direction) along the inner sidewalls of the second sidewall spacer 202 a and along the inner sidewalls of the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. In further embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a extend (in the “y” direction) between opposite inner sidewalls of the third portion 120 a 3. In other embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁ and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a extend (in the “y” direction) between the inner sidewalls of the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. In such embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁, the second portion 120 a ₂, and the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a may contact the inner sidewalls of the fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. In further embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁, the second portion 120 a ₂, and the third portion 120 a ₃ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a are part of a single continuous gate dielectric structure.

In some embodiments, the gate dielectric structures 120 may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a high-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 3.9), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. The gate dielectric structures 120 may be multi-layered structures, for example, comprising one or more interfacial layers. In further embodiments, the gate electrode structures 118 may comprise, for example, polysilicon (e.g., doped polysilicon), a metal (e.g., aluminum (Al), tungsten (W)), some other conductive material, or a combination of the foregoing. The gate electrode structures 118 may be multi-layered structures, for example, comprising a work function metal layer (e.g., titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum nitride (TaN), or the like), a metal fill layer (e.g., W), or the like.

In some embodiments, the nanostructure stacks 111 are disposed between the uppermost surface of the first fins 104 and the uppermost surfaces of the second fins 106. In other embodiments, the nanostructure stacks 111 may be partially disposed over the uppermost surface of the first fins 104. In further embodiments, the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 have circular-like shaped profiles along line A-A. The plurality of nanostructures 112 with the circular-like shaped profiles may be referred to as round nanowires.

For example, the third fin 104 a has an uppermost surface disposed over an uppermost surface of the fourth fin 106 a. The first nanostructure stack 111 a is disposed between the uppermost surface of the fourth fin 106 a and the uppermost surface of the third fin 104 a. The first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ have circular-like shaped profiles along line A-A. In such embodiments, the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ may be referred to as a first round nanowire, and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ may be referred to as a second round nanowire.

In some embodiments, the first source/drain regions 110 have a hexagonal-like shaped profile, a diamond-like shaped profile, or some other geometrically shaped profile when viewed along line A-A. The second source/drain regions 114 may have a hexagonal-like shaped profile, a diamond-like shaped profile, or some other geometrically shaped profile when viewed along line A-A. In further embodiments, the first source/drain regions 110 have a first doping type (e.g., p-type). In yet further embodiments, the second source/drain regions 114 have a second doping type opposite the first doping type (e.g., n-type).

An interlayer dielectric (ILD) structure 206 is disposed over the isolation structure 108, the semiconductor substrate 102, and the plurality of semiconductor devices 128. The ILD structure 206 comprises one or more stacked ILD layers, which may respectively comprise a low-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material with a dielectric constant less than about 3.9), an oxide (e.g., (SiO₂), or the like. A plurality of conductive contacts 208 (e.g., metal contacts) are disposed in the ILD structure 206.

The conductive contacts 208 extend through the ILD structure 206 (in the “x” direction) from the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, and/or the gate electrode structures 118. The conductive contacts 208 are electrically coupled to the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, and/or the gate electrode structures 118. The conductive contacts 208 are part of an interconnect structure (e.g., copper interconnect) embedded in the ILD structure 206 and configured to electrically couple various semiconductor devices of the IC 100 together in a predefined manner. In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 208 may comprise, for example, W, Al, copper (Cu), or the like. In further embodiments, the conductive contacts 208 may be multi-layered structures, for example, comprising a silicide layer, a barrier layer, or the like.

In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 208 may extend laterally (in the “z” direction and/or the “y” direction) through the ILD structure 206. For example, some of the conductive contacts of the conductive contacts 208 are extend laterally (in the “z” direction) through a lower portion of the ILD structure 206, such that the some of the conductive contacts 208 contact (and electrically couple together) one or more first source/drain regions 110 and/or one or more second source/drain regions 114. Some other conductive contacts of the conductive contacts 208 may extend laterally (in the “y” direction) through an upper portion of the ILD structure 206, such that the some other conductive contacts of the conductive contacts 208 contact (and electrically couple together) one or more of the gate structures 116.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrates cross-sectional views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 have square-like shaped profiles along line A-A. The nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 with the square-like shaped profiles may be referred to as square nanowires. As shown in FIG. 3B, the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 have ellipse-like shaped profiles along line A-A. The nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 with the ellipse-like shaped profiles may be referred to as nano-rings.

As shown in FIG. 3C, nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures have stadium-like shaped (e.g., geometric stadium shape) profiles along line A-A. As shown in FIG. 3D, nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 have rectangular-like shaped profiles along line A-A. The nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 with the stadium-like shaped profiles may be referred to as horizontal nanosheets or horizontal nanoslabs. The nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 with the rectangular-like shaped profiles may also be referred to as horizontal nanosheets or horizontal nanoslabs.

As shown in FIG. 3E, the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 have hexagonal-like shaped profiles along line A-A. The nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 with the hexagonal-like shaped profiles may be referred to as hexagonal nanowires. In some embodiments, a lower point of an upper hexagonal nanowire (e.g., the first nanostructure 112 a ₁) may contact (or merge with) an upper point of a lower hexagonal nanowire (e.g., the second nanostructure 112 a ₂). In such embodiments, the gate dielectric structures 120 may comprise fourth portions that wrap continuously around the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 to separate the plurality of nanostructures 112 from the gate electrode structures 118. In other embodiments, the lower point of the upper hexagonal nanowire is spaced (in the “x” direction) from the upper point of the lower hexagonal nanowire.

For example, the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ have hexagonal-like shaped profiles along line A-A. A lower point of the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ contacts an upper point of the second nanostructure 112 a ₂. The first gate dielectric structure 120 a comprises a fourth portion 120 a ₄ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a. The fourth portion 120 a ₄ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a wraps continuously around the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ and the second nanostructure 112 a ₂ to separate the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a from the first gate electrode structure 118 a. In other embodiments, the lower point of the first nanostructure 112 a ₁ is spaced (in the “x” direction) from the upper point of the second nanostructure 112 a ₂. In such embodiments, the first portion 120 a ₁ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a wraps continuously around the first nanostructure 112 a ₁, and the second portion 120 a ₂ of the first gate dielectric structure 120 a wraps continuously around the second nanostructure 112 a ₂.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrates cross-sectional views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the second fins 106 may have angled sidewalls. The angled sidewalls of the second fins 106 angle inward (e.g., toward center points of the second fins 106) as the second fins 106 extend vertically from the semiconductor substrate 102 (in the “x” direction). The uppermost surfaces of the second fins 106 extend laterally (in the “z” direction) a first distance between opposite uppermost points of the angled sidewalls of the second fins 106. For example, the fourth fin 106 a has angled sidewalls that angle inward (e.g., toward a center point of the fourth fin 106 a) as the fourth fin 106 a extends vertically from the semiconductor substrate 102 (in the “x” direction). The uppermost surface of the fourth fin 106 a extends the first distance (in the “z” direction) between the opposite uppermost points of the angled sidewalls of the fourth fin 106 a.

In some embodiments, the lower portions 105 of the first fins 104 have angled sidewalls that angle inward (e.g., toward center points of the first fins 104) as the first fins 104 extend from the semiconductor substrate 102 (in the “x” direction). The upper portions 107 of the first fins 104 have sidewalls that extend vertically (in the “x” direction) from the angled sidewalls of the lower portions 105. The sidewalls of the upper portions 107 may be substantially vertical or angled inward. Opposite lowermost points of the sidewalls of the upper portions 107 are spaced apart a second distance (in the “z” direction). In some embodiments, the second distance is different than the first distance. In further embodiments, the second distance is less than the first distance. In other embodiments, the second distance may be substantially the same as the first distance.

For example, the first lower portion 105 a of the third fin 104 a has angled sidewalls that angled inward (e.g., toward a center point of the third fin 104 a) as the first lower portion 105 a extends from the semiconductor substrate 102 (in the “x” direction). The first upper portion 107 a of the third fin 104 a has substantially vertical sidewalls that extend (in the “x” direction) from the angled sidewalls of the first lower portion 105 a. Lowermost points of the sidewalls of the first upper portion 107 a are spaced apart a second distance (in the “z” direction) that is less than the first distance.

In some embodiments, an uppermost point of the lower portions 105 of the first fins 104 is disposed at (or in-line with) the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. In other embodiments, the uppermost point of the lower portions 105 of the first fins 104 is disposed below the upper surface of the isolation structure 108 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3E). In other embodiments, the uppermost point of the lower portions 105 of the first fins 104 may be disposed over the upper surface of the isolation structure 108.

The semiconductor substrate 102, the second fins 106, and the lower portions 105 of the first fins 104 are or comprise a first semiconductor material. As shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the plurality of nanostructures 112 are or comprise the first semiconductor material, and the upper portions 107 are or comprise a second semiconductor material different than the first semiconductor material. As shown in FIG. 4B, in other embodiments, the plurality of nanostructures 112 are or comprise the second semiconductor material, and the upper portions 107 are or comprise the first semiconductor material. As shown in FIG. 4C, in other embodiments, the plurality of nanostructures 112 and the upper portions 107 are or comprise the second semiconductor material. In other embodiments, the plurality of nanostructures 112 and the upper portions 107 are or comprise the first semiconductor material (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3E).

In some embodiments, the first semiconductor material comprises a first Group IV chemical element (e.g., Si), and the second semiconductor material comprises a second Group IV chemical element (e.g., Ge) that is different than the first Group IV chemical element. For example, the first semiconductor material is Si and the second semiconductor material is Ge, SiGe, or the like. In further embodiments, the second semiconductor material may not comprise the first Group IV chemical element. For example, the first semiconductor material is Si and the second semiconductor material is Ge.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C taken along line F-F of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 5A taken along line D-D of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 5A taken along line E-E of FIG. 5A.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the IC 100 comprises the first semiconductor device 128 a and a second semiconductor device 128 b. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the second semiconductor device 128 b comprises similar features (e.g., structural features) as the first semiconductor device 128 a. In some embodiments, the first semiconductor device 128 a and the second semiconductor device 128 b are a same type of device (e.g., both a CMOS inverter). In other embodiments, the first semiconductor device 128 a may be a different type of device than the second semiconductor device 128 b.

The first FinFET 124 a is a multi-fin FinFET. The first FinFET 124 a is a multi-fin FinFET due to the first FinFET 124 a comprising two or more of the first fins 104 that extend between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a. More specifically, the first FinFET 124 a is a multi-fin FinFET due to the first FinFET 124 a comprising two or more upper portions 107 of the first fins 104 that extend between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a. For example, a fifth fin 104 b of the first fins 104 comprises a second upper portion 107 b that extends (in the “y” direction) between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a. A fourth selectively-conductive channel of the first plurality of selectively-conductive channels is disposed in the second upper portion 107 b. The first FinFET 124 a comprises the first upper portion 107 a (and thus the first selectively-conductive channel), the second upper portion 107 b (and thus the fourth selectively conductive channel), the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a, and the third gate 122 a ₁.

In embodiments in which the first FinFET 124 a is a multi-fin FinFET, the first FinFET 124 a may comprise any number of the first fins 104 that is greater than or equal to two. For example, the first FinFET 124 a may comprise two of the first fins 104, three of the first fins 104, etc. If the first FinFET 124 a comprises two of the first fins 104, the first FinFET 124 a may be referred to as a two-fin FinFET; if the first FinFET 124 a comprises three of the first fins 104, the first FinFET 124 a may be referred to as a three-fin FinFET; and so forth. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the first FinFET 124 a may be a multi-fin FinFET having two or more of the first fins 104 that extend between first source/drain regions 110 of discrete pairs of the first source/drain regions 110 that are connected together via an overlying conductive feature (e.g., interconnect structure).

In some embodiments, the first fins 104 comprise a first plurality of epitaxial semiconductor structures 502 disposed over the semiconductor substrate 102. For example, the third fin 104 a comprises a first epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 a of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502, and the fifth fin 104 b comprises a second epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 b of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502. The epitaxial semiconductor structures 502 may be or comprise an epitaxial semiconductor material (e.g., a semiconductor material formed by an epitaxial process, such as epitaxial Si, epitaxial Ge, epitaxial SiGe, etc.). In some embodiments, the upper portions 107 of the first fins 104 are defined by the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502. For example, a size of the first epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 a may define a size of the first upper portion 107 a.

In some embodiments, bottom surfaces of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502 are disposed below the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. In other embodiments, the bottom surfaces of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502 are disposed above the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. In other embodiments, the bottom surfaces of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502 are substantially co-planar with the upper surface of the isolation structure 108.

In some embodiments, a plurality of dummy gate structures 504 are disposed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, and the second fins 106. The dummy gate structures 504 are disposed between the semiconductor devices 128. The dummy gate structures 504 may extend continuously (in the “z” direction) across the isolation structure 108, over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and around some nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111. The dummy gate structures 504 may extend continuously (in the “z” direction) between pairs of source/drain regions that neighbor one another (in the “y” direction). In some embodiments, the dummy gate structures 504 may have a same length (e.g., a distance between opposite sidewalls spaced in the “y” direction) as the plurality gate structures 116. In other embodiments, the dummy gate structures 504 may have a different length the plurality gate structures 116.

For example, the dummy gate structures 504 comprises a first dummy gate structure 504 a and a second dummy gate structure 504 b that are disposed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, and the second fins 106. The first dummy gate structure 504 a is disposed between the first semiconductor device 128 a and the second semiconductor device 128 b. The first dummy gate structure 504 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) across the isolation structure 108, over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and around the nanostructures of a second nanostructure stack 111 c of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111. The first dummy gate structure 504 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) between the first pair 110 a of the first source/drain regions 110 and a third pair 110 b of the first source/drain regions 110, and between the second pair 114 a of the second source/drain regions 114 and the fourth pair 114 b of the second source/drain regions 114.

In other embodiments, rather than the dummy gate structures 504 extending continuously (in the “z” direction) around the some nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111, the dummy gate structures 504 may extend continuously (in the “z” direction) over stacks of semiconductor layers (not shown) (e.g., stacks of alternating layers of SiGe and Si) that are disposed over the second fins 106. In such embodiments, the stacks of semiconductor layers take the place of the some nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 (e.g., disposed in the same locations as the some nanostructure stacks). In further such embodiments, the stacks of semiconductor layers have a similar layout (e.g., a similar top surface area/shape) as the some nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111. For example, one of the stacks of semiconductor layers (see, e.g., FIGS. 22A-22C—the sixth stack 2202 c of semiconductor layers) may take the place of the second nanostructure stack 111 c. In such embodiments, the first dummy gate structure 504 a extends continuously (in the “z” direction) across the isolation structure 108, over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and over the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers. In further such embodiments, the first dummy gate structure 504 a may engage an upper surface of the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers and opposite sidewalls of the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers.

The dummy gate structures 504 comprise dummy gate material structures 506 and dummy gate dielectric structures (not shown) (see, e.g., FIGS. 19A-19C—dummy gate dielectric structures 1902). The dummy gate material structures 506 are disposed over the dummy gate dielectric structures. The dummy gate dielectric structures separate the dummy gate material structures 506 from the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the nanostructures of the some nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 (or the stacks of semiconductor layers). In some embodiments, sidewalls of the dummy gate material structures 506 may be aligned with sidewalls of the dummy gate dielectric structures.

For example, the first dummy gate structure 504 a comprises a first dummy gate material structure 506 a and a first dummy gate dielectric structure (not shown), and the second dummy gate structure 504 b comprises a second dummy gate material structure 506 b and a second dummy gate dielectric structure (not shown). The first dummy gate material structure 506 a is disposed over the first dummy gate dielectric structure. The second nanostructure stack 111 c comprises a second plurality of nanostructures (not shown). The first dummy gate dielectric structure separates the first dummy gate material structure 506 a from the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the nanostructures of the second plurality of nanostructures (or a stack of semiconductor layers). In other embodiments, the first dummy gate dielectric structure separates the first dummy gate material structure 506 a from the semiconductor layers of the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers. In some embodiments, sidewalls of the first dummy gate material structure 506 a are aligned with sidewalls of the first dummy gate dielectric structure.

The dummy gate material structures 506 may be or comprise, for example, amorphous silicon, polysilicon (e.g., undoped poly silicon, doped polysilicon), some other dummy gate material, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the dummy gate material structures 506 are or comprise a different material than the gate electrode structures 118. For example, the dummy gate material structures 506 may be or comprise polysilicon and the gate electrode structures 118 may be or comprise a metal. In other embodiments, the dummy gate material structures 506 are or comprise a same material as the gate electrode structures 118. In further embodiments, the dummy gate material structures 506 may have similar features (e.g., structural features) as the gate electrode structures 118. In yet further embodiments, the dummy gate material structures 506 may be multi-layered structures, for example, comprising a work function metal layer, a metal fill layer, or the like.

The dummy gate dielectric structures may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a high-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 3.9), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the dummy gate dielectric structures are or comprise a different material than the gate dielectric structures 120. For example, the dummy gate dielectric structures may be or comprise SiO₂ and the gate electrode structures 118 may be or comprise a high-k dielectric. In other embodiments, the dummy gate dielectric structures may be or comprise a same material as the gate dielectric structures 120. In further embodiments, the dummy gate dielectric structures have similar features (e.g., structural features) as the gate dielectric structures 120. In yet further embodiments, the dummy gate dielectric structures may be multi-layered structures, for example, comprising one or more interfacial layers.

In some embodiments, sidewall spacers of the first sidewall spacers 202 are disposed over the isolation structure 108 and along sidewalls of the dummy gate structures 504. In further embodiments, sidewall spacers of the third sidewall spacers 204 are disposed over the isolation structure 108 and separate the dummy gate structures 504 from the second source/drain regions 114. For example, the first sidewall spacers 202 comprises a fifth sidewall spacer 202 c disposed over the isolation structure 108 and along sidewalls of the first dummy gate structure 504 a. The third sidewall spacers comprise a second group (not shown) of third sidewall spacers 204 that separate the first dummy gate structure 504 a from one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a and one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the fourth pair 114 b that neighbors the one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a.

In some embodiments, the dummy gate structures 504 are not electrically coupled to any of the conductive contacts 208 (or any other conductive features that may bias the dummy gate material structures 506). In some embodiments, the ILD structure 206 continuously contacts upper surfaces of the dummy gate material structures 506. In other words, the ILD structure 206 may completely cover the upper surfaces of the dummy gate material structures 506.

In some embodiments, the ILD structure 206 comprises a first ILD layer 206 a and a second ILD layer 206 b. The second ILD layer 206 b is disposed over the first ILD layer 206 a. In such embodiments, some of the conductive contacts 208 extend (in the “x” direction) through the first ILD layer 206 a and the second ILD layer 206 b, and some other of the conductive contacts 208 are disposed over the first ILD layer 206 a and extend (in the “x” direction) through the second ILD layer 206 b. For example, the conductive contacts 208 that extend from the first source/drain regions 110 and/or the second source/drain regions 114 extend (in the “x” direction) through the first ILD layer 206 a and the second ILD layer 206 b, and the conductive contacts 208 that extend from the gate electrode structures 118 are disposed over the first ILD layer 206 a and extend (in the “x” direction) through the second ILD layer 206 b.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C taken along line F-F of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 6A taken along line D-D of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 6A taken along line E-E of FIG. 6A.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the first GAAFET 126 a is a multi-nanostructure-stack GAAFET. The first GAAFET 126 a is a multi-nanostructure-stack GAAFET due to the first GAAFET 126 a comprising two or more nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 that extend between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a. For example, a fourth nanostructure stack 111 d of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 is disposed over a sixth fin 106 b of the second fins 106. The fourth nanostructure stack 111 d comprises a fourth plurality of nanostructures 112 d. The nanostructures of the fourth plurality of nanostructures 112 d extend (in the “y” direction) between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a. Corresponding selectively-conductive channels of the second plurality of selectively-conductive channels are disposed in the nanostructures of the fourth plurality of nanostructures 112 d. The first GAAFET 126 a comprises the first nanostructure stack 111 a (and thus the selectively-conductive channels of the second plurality of conductive channels that correspond to the nanostructures of the first nanostructure stack 111 a), the fourth nanostructure stack 111 d (and thus the selectively-conductive channels of the second plurality of conductive channels that correspond to the nanostructures of the fourth nanostructure stack 111 d), the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a, and the fourth gate 122 b ₁.

In embodiments in which the first GAAFET 126 a is a multi-nanostructure-stack GAAFET, the first GAAFET 126 a may comprise any number of nanostructure stacks 111 that is greater than or equal to two. For example, the first GAAFET 126 a may comprise two of the nanostructure stacks 111, three of the nanostructure stacks 111, etc. If the first GAAFET 126 a comprises two of the nanostructure stacks 111, the first GAAFET 126 a may be referred to as a two-nanostructure-stack GAAFET; if the first GAAFET 126 a comprises three of the nanostructure stacks 111, the first GAAFET 126 a may be referred to as a three-nanostructure-stack GAAFET; and so forth. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the first GAAFET 126 a may be a multi-nanostructure-stack GAAFET having two or more nanostructure stacks of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 that extend between second source/drain regions 114 of discrete pairs of the second source/drain regions 114 that are connected together via an overlying conductive feature (e.g., interconnect structure).

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C. FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate “simplified” views because some of the features of FIGS. 2A-2C are not illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B (e.g., the plurality gate structures 116, the gate dielectric structures 120, the first sidewall spacers 202, the third sidewall spacers 204, etc.). FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C taken along line F-F of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 7A taken along line D-D of FIG. 7A.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, each of the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 have a first width W₁ (e.g., first nanostructure width). The first width W₁ may be between 1 nanometer (nm) and 100 nm. Each of the first fins 104 have a second width W₂ (e.g., first fin width) that is less than or equal to the first width W₁. In some embodiments, the first fins 104 have a fin pitch P_(F) (e.g., a distance (in the “z” direction) between center points of neighboring first fins) between 10 nm and 50 nm. Each of the second fins 106 have a third width W₃ (e.g., second fin width). In some embodiments, the third width W₃ is substantially the same as the first width W₁. In other embodiments, the first width W₁ is less than the third width W₃.

Each of the first fins 104 have a fin height H_(F). The fin height H_(F) is a distance (in the “x” direction) from uppermost surfaces of the first fins 104 to the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. In some embodiments, the fin height H_(F) is between 10 nm and 150 nm. Each of the nanostructure stacks 111 have a stack height H_(S). The stack height H_(S) is a distance (in the “x” direction) from uppermost surfaces of uppermost nanostructures of the nanostructure stacks 111 to the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. In further embodiments, the stack height H_(S) is between 10 nm and 150 nm. In yet further embodiments, the stack height H_(S) is the same as the fin height H_(F). In other embodiments, the stack height H_(S) is different than the fin height H_(F).

Each of the semiconductor devices 128 have a cell width W_(C) between 50 nm and 500 nm. In some embodiments, the cell width W_(C) is a distance (in the “z” direction) between outermost edges of outermost features of the semiconductor devices 128 (e.g., a distance (in the “z” direction) between an outermost edge of one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a and an outermost edge of one of the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a). In further embodiments, the cell width W_(C) may comprise a predefined buffer distance D_(B) that extends (in the “z” direction) from the outermost edges of the outermost features of the semiconductor devices 128 away from center points of the semiconductor devices 128. For consistency in the figures, the cell width W_(C) is referred to as a width, but it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the cell width may be referred to as a cell height.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate “simplified” views because some of the features of FIGS. 2A-2C are not illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D (e.g., the first sidewall spacers 202, the third sidewall spacers 204, etc.). FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C taken along line F-F of FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D. FIG. 8B illustrates a magnified view of an area 802 of FIG. 8A. FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the gate structures 116 and the dummy gate structures 504 as transparent. FIG. 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 8A taken along line D-D of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 8A taken along line G-G of FIG. 8A.

As shown in FIG. 8A-8E, the first FinFET 124 a and the second FinFET 124 b comprise a different number of first fins 104. For example, the first FinFET 124 a comprises the third fin 104 a and the fifth fin 104 b, and the second FinFET 124 b only comprises the fifth fin 104 b. In other words, the first FinFET 124 a is a two-fin FinFET and the second FinFET 124 b is a one-fin FinFET. In some embodiments, a sidewall of the third fin 104 a is disposed between opposite sidewalls of the first dummy gate structure 504 a. In other words, the transition between the number of first fins 104 of the first FinFET 124 a and the number of first fins 104 of the second FinFET 124 b occurs directly beneath the first dummy gate structure. It will be appreciated that the difference in the number of first fins 104 that the first FinFET 124 a comprises and the number of first fins 104 the second FinFET 124 b comprises may be any value. For example, the first FinFET 124 a may be a three-fin FinFET and the second FinFET 124 b may be a one-fin FinFET, the first FinFET 124 a may be a three-fin FinFET and the second FinFET 124 b may be a two-fin FinFET, the first FinFET 124 a may be a one-fin FinFET and the second FinFET 124 b may be a three-fin FinFET, etc.

In some embodiments, the width of the nanostructures of the nanostructure stack of the first GAAFET 126 a is different than the width of the nanostructures of the nanostructure stack of the second GAAFET 126 b. For example, the second GAAFET 126 b comprises a third nanostructure stack 111 b. The third nanostructure stack 111 b comprises a third plurality of nanostructures 112 b. The nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a have the first width W₁, and the nanostructures of the third plurality of nanostructures 112 b have a fourth width W₄ that is less than the first width W₁, or vice versa. Because the nanostructures of the first plurality of nanostructures 112 a have the first width W₁ and the nanostructures of the third plurality of nanostructures 112 b have the fourth width W₄, device performance of the IC 100 may be improved (e.g., reduced power consumption).

In some embodiments, a difference between the first width W₁ and the fourth width W₄ is between 1 nm and 90 nm. If the difference is less than 1 nm, the device performance of the IC 100 may not be sufficiently improved; if the difference is greater than 90 nm, a cost to manufacture the IC 100 may be increased without sufficiently improving the device performance of the IC 100. In further embodiments, the difference between the first width W₁ and the fourth width W₄ is between 1 nm and 50 nm. If the difference is less than 1 nm, the device performance of the IC 100 may not be sufficiently improved; if the difference is greater than 50 nm, a cost to manufacture the IC 100 may be increased without sufficiently improving the device performance of the IC 100.

In some embodiments, seventh portions of the nanostructures of the second plurality of nanostructures have the first width W₁ and eighth portions of the nanostructures of the second plurality of nanostructures have the fourth width W₄, or vice versa. In other words, the nanostructures of the second plurality of nanostructures transition from having the first width W₁ to having the fourth width W₄. In further embodiments, the transition from the first width W₁ to the fourth width W₄ occurs between opposite sidewalls of the first dummy gate structure 504 a. In other words, the transition from the first width W₁ to the fourth width W₄ occurs directly beneath the first dummy gate structure 504 a.

In some embodiments, the widths of the second fins 106 transition in relation to the width transitions of the nanostructures. For example, the fourth fin 106 a has the third width W₃ directly beneath the first nanostructure stack 111 a, and the fourth fin 106 a has a fifth width W₅ directly beneath the third nanostructure stack 111 b that is less than the third width W₃, or vice versa. In further embodiments, the transition from the third width W₃ to the fifth width W₅ occurs between the opposite sidewalls of the first dummy gate structure 504 a. In other words, the transition from the third width W₃ to the fifth width W₅ occurs directly beneath the first dummy gate structure 504 a. The fifth width W₅ may be substantially the same as the fourth width W₄. In other embodiments, the fifth width W₅ is less than the fourth width W₄. In yet further embodiments, the third width W₃ is greater than the fourth width W₄.

In other embodiments, the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers may take the place of the second nanostructure stack 111 c. In such embodiments, a ninth portion of the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers has the first width W₁ (or the third width W₃) and a tenth portion of the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers has the fourth width W₄ (or the fifth width W₅), or vice versa. In other words, the one of the stacks of semiconductor layers transitions from having the first width W₁ (or the third width W₃) to having the fourth width W₄ (or the fifth width W₅). In further such embodiments, the widths of the second fins 106 transition in relation to the width transitions of the stacks of semiconductor layers.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C. FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate “simplified” views because some of the features of FIGS. 2A-2C are not illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C (e.g., the first sidewall spacers 202, the third sidewall spacers 204, etc.). FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C taken along line F-F of FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C. FIG. 9A illustrates the gate structures 116 and the dummy gate structures 504 as transparent. FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 9A taken along line D-D of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 9A taken along line G-G of FIG. 9A.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the first GAAFET 126 a has a different number of nanostructure stacks 111 than the second GAAFET 126 b. For example, the first GAAFET 126 a comprises the first nanostructure stack 111 a and the fourth nanostructure stack 111 d, and the second GAAFET only comprises a fifth nanostructure stack 111 f of the plurality of nanostructure stacks 111. In other words, the first GAAFET 126 a is a two-nanostructure-stack GAAFET, and the second GAAFET 126 b is a one-nanostructure-stack GAAFET. Because the first GAAFET 126 a has a different number of nanostructure stacks 111 than the second GAAFET 126 b, device performance of the IC 100 may be improved (e.g., educed power consumption). It will be appreciated that the difference in the number of nanostructure stacks 111 that the first GAAFET 126 a comprises and the number of nanostructure stacks 111 the second GAAFET 126 b comprises may be any value. For example, the first GAAFET 126 a may be a three-nanostructure-stack GAAFET and the second GAAFET 126 b may be a one-nanostructure-stack GAAFET, the first GAAFET 126 a may be a three-nanostructure-stack GAAFET and the second GAAFET 126 b may be a two-nanostructure-stack GAAFET, the first GAAFET 126 a may be a one-nanostructure-stack GAAFET and the second GAAFET 126 b may be a three-nanostructure-stack GAAFET, etc.

In some embodiments, the nanostructures of the second nanostructure stack 111 c may have sidewalls disposed between the opposite sidewalls of the first dummy gate structure 504 a. In other words, the transition from two-nanostructure stacks to one-nanostructure stack occurs directly beneath the first dummy gate structure 504 a. In some embodiments, the nanostructure stacks 111 have a stack pitch P_(S) (e.g., a distance (in the “z” direction) between center points of neighboring nanostructure stacks) between 10 nm and 50 nm. In some embodiments, the stack pitch P_(S) may be the same as the fin pitch P_(F). In other embodiments, the stack pitch P_(S) may be different than the fin pitch P_(F).

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIG. 8A taken along line F-F of FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D. FIG. 10 illustrates the gate structures 116 and the dummy gate structures 504 as transparent

As shown in FIG. 10, various transitions between the number of first fins 104 of neighboring FinFETs and various transitions between the widths of the nanostructures of neighboring GAAFETs are illustrated. FIG. 10 illustrates a symmetrical transition between the number of first fins 104 of neighboring FinFETs and the widths of the nanostructures of neighboring GAAFETs. For example, the first FinFET 124 a and the first GAAFET 126 a are disposed in-line (in the “z” direction) with one another. The first FinFET 124 a is a two-fin FinFET, the second FinFET 124 b is a three-fin FinFET, and a third FinFET 124 c is a three-fin FinFET. A first transition between the number of first fins 104 of the second FinFET 124 b to the number of first fins 104 of the first FinFET 124 a occurs directly beneath the first dummy gate structure 504 a, and a second transition between the number of first fins 104 of the second FinFET 124 b to the number of first fins 104 of the third FinFET 124 c occurs directly beneath the second dummy gate structure 504 b. The nanostructures of the first GAAFET 126 a have the fourth width W₄, the nanostructures of the second GAAFET 126 b have the first width W₁, and the nanostructures of a third GAAFET 126 c have the first width W₁. A third transition from the first width W₁ to the fourth width W₄ occurs directly beneath the second dummy gate structure 504 b, and a fourth transition from the fourth width W₄ to the first width W₁ occurs directly beneath the first dummy gate structure 504 a.

Further, FIG. 10 illustrates an asymmetrical transition between the number of first fins 104 of neighboring FinFETs and the widths of the nanostructures of neighboring GAAFETs. For example, a fourth FinFET 124 d is disposed in-line (in the “z” direction) with a fourth GAAFET 126 d, and a fifth GAAFET 126 e is disposed in-line (in the “z” direction) with a fifth FinFET 124 e. The second FinFET 124 b is a three-fin FinFET, the fourth FinFET 124 d is a one-fin FinFET, and the fifth FinFET 124 e is a three-fin FinFET. A fifth transition between the number of first fins 104 of the second FinFET 124 b to the number of first fins 104 of the fourth FinFET 124 d occurs directly beneath a third dummy gate structure 504 c, and a sixth transition between the number of first fins 104 of the fourth FinFET 124 d to the number of first fins 104 of the fifth FinFET 124 e occurs directly beneath a fourth dummy gate structure 504 e. The nanostructures of the fifth GAAFET 126 e have the fourth width W₄, the nanostructures of the fourth GAAFET 126 d have the first width W₁, and the nanostructures of a sixth GAAFET 126 f have the first width W₁. A seventh transition from the first width W₁ to the fourth width W₄ occurs directly beneath the fourth dummy gate structure 504 e, and an eight transition from the fourth width W₄ to the first width W₁ occurs directly beneath a fifth dummy gate structure 504 f. In embodiments in which the GAAFETs have different numbers of nanostructure stacks 111 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A-9C), it will be appreciated that the symmetrical and asymmetrical transitions may apply except with transitions in the number of nanostructure stacks 111, rather than transitions in the widths of the nanostructures.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate various simplified views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C. FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate “simplified” views because some of the features of FIGS. 2A-2C are not illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B (e.g., the first sidewall spacers 202, the third sidewall spacers 204, etc.). FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 2A-2C taken along line F-F of FIG. 11B. FIG. 11A illustrates the gate structures 116 as transparent. FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the IC of FIG. 11A taken along line H-H of FIG. 11A.

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the first semiconductor device 128 a comprises the first FinFET 124 a, the second FinFET 124 b, the first GAAFET 126 a, the second GAAFET 126 b, a seventh GAAFET 126 g, and an eighth GAAFET 126 h. The first GAAFET 126 a and the second GAAFET 126 b are spaced (in the “z” direction) from the seventh GAAFET 126 g and the eighth GAAFET 126 h. The first GAAFET 126 a is disposed in-line (in the “y” direction) with the second GAAFET 126 b, and the seventh GAAFET 126 g is disposed in-line (in the “y” direction) with the eighth GAAFET 126 h. The first FinFET 124 a and the second FinFET 124 b are both disposed between the first GAAFET 126 a and the seventh GAAFET 126 g (in the “z” direction).

In some embodiments, neighboring GAAFETs (and/or neighboring FinFETs) share source/drain region. For example, the first GAAFET 126 a and the second GAAFET 126 b share a first shared source/drain region 114 a/b, which is one of the second source/drain regions 114, and the seventh GAAFET 126 g and the eighth GAAFET 126 h share a second shared source/drain region 114 g/h, which is another one of the second source/drain regions 114. It will be appreciated, that in some embodiments, the first GAAFET 126 a and the second GAAFET 126 b and/or the seventh GAAFET 126 g and the eighth GAAFET 126 h may not share a second source/drain region. In such embodiments, the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a are spaced (in the “y” direction) from the second source/drain regions 114 of the fourth pair 114 b, and the second source/drain regions 114 of a fifth pair 114 g are spaced (in the “y” direction) from the second source/drain regions 114 of a sixth pair 114 h.

In some embodiments, the first semiconductor device 128 a is a memory cell (e.g., SRAM cell) of a memory device (e.g., SRAM). More specifically, in some embodiments, the first semiconductor device 128 a may be a six-transistor (6T) SRAM cell. For example, the first FinFET 124 a may be a first pull-up transistor, the second FinFET 124 b may be a second pull-up transistor, the first GAAFET 126 a may be a first pull-down transistor, the second GAAFET 126 b may be a first access transistor, the seventh GAAFET 126 g may be a second access transistor, and the eighth GAAFET 126 h may be a second pull-down transistor.

A third source/drain region 114 a ₁, which is one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a, and a fourth source/drain region 114 h ₁, which is one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the sixth pair 114 h, are electrically coupled to a first voltage (e.g., ground via the interconnect structure). A fifth source/drain region 110 a ₁, which is one of the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a, and a sixth source/drain region 110 b ₁, which is one of the first source/drain regions 110 of the third pair 110 b, are electrically coupled to a second voltage (e.g., Vdd via the interconnect structure). A seventh source/drain region 114 b ₁, which is one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the fourth pair 114 b, is electrically coupled to a first bit line (e.g., a first set of conductive features of the interconnect structure). An eighth source/drain region 114 gi, which is one of the second source/drain regions 114 of the fifth pair 114 g, is electrically coupled to a second bit line (e.g., bit line bar (e.g., a second set of conductive features of the interconnect structure)). The first gate structure 116 a; the second shared source/drain region 114 g/h; and a ninth source/drain region 110 b 2, which is one of the first source/drain regions 110 of the third pair 110 b, are electrically coupled together (e.g., via the interconnect structure). A second gate structure 116 b; the first shared source/drain region 114 a/b; and a tenth source/drain region 110 a ₂, which is one of the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a, are electrically coupled together (e.g., via the interconnect structure). A third gate structure 116 g and a fourth gate structure 116 h are electrically coupled to a word line (e.g., a third set of conductive feature of the interconnect structure).

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate cross-sectional views of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIG. 11A taken along line J-J of FIG. 11B. FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate the gate structures 116 in phantom (e.g., with a dashed line).

As shown in FIG. 12A-12C, the fourth fin 106 a has the third width W₃ and the fifth width W₅, and a seventh fin 106 c of the second fins 106 has the third width W₃ and the fifth width W₅. As shown in FIG. 12A, the fourth fin 106 a transitions from the third width W₃ to the fifth width W₅ directly beneath the first gate structure 116 a, and the seventh fin 106 c transitions from the fifth width W₅ to the third width W₃ directly beneath the second gate structure 116 b. If a variation in the device performances of the first GAAFET 126 a and the second GAAFET 126 b (and/or the seventh GAAFET 126 g and the eighth GAAFET 126 h) meets a predefined specification of the IC 100, the width transitions of the fourth fin 106 a and the seventh fin 106 c may occur directly beneath the first gate structure 116 a and directly beneath the second gate structure 116 b. As shown in FIG. 12B, the fourth fin 106 a transitions from the third width W₃ to the fifth width W₅ directly beneath the third gate structure 116 g, and the seventh fin 106 c transitions from the fifth width W₅ to the third width W₃ directly beneath the fourth gate structure 116 h. If a variation in the device performances of the first GAAFET 126 a and the second GAAFET 126 b (and/or the seventh GAAFET 126 g and the eighth GAAFET 126 h) meets a predefined specification of the IC 100, the width transitions of the fourth fin 106 a and the seventh fin 106 c may occur directly beneath the third gate structure 116 g and directly beneath the fourth gate structure 116 h. More specifically, if a predefined specification of a 6T SRAM cell is met with a relatively large variation in the device performances of the pull-down transistors and/or the access transistors, the width transitions of the fourth fin 106 a and the seventh fin 106 c may occur directly beneath the gates of the access transistors and/or directly beneath the gates of the pull-down transistors.

As shown in FIG. 12C, the fourth fin 106 a transitions from the third width W₃ to the fifth width W₅ between the first gate structure 116 a and the third gate structure 116 g, and the seventh fin 106 c transitions from the fifth width W₅ to the third width W₃ between the second gate structure 116 b and the fourth gate structure 116 h. If a variation in the device performances of the first GAAFET 126 a and the second GAAFET 126 b (and/or the seventh GAAFET 126 g and the eighth GAAFET 126 h) does not meet a predefined specification of the IC 100, the width transitions of the fourth fin 106 a and the seventh fin 106 c may occur between the second gate structure 116 b and the fourth gate structure 116 h. More specifically, if a predefined specification of a 6T SRAM cell is met with a relatively small variation (e.g., smaller than the relatively large variation) in the device performances of the pull-down transistors and/or the access transistors, the width transitions of the fourth fin 106 a and the seventh fin 106 c occur between the gates of the access transistors and the gates of the pull-down transistors.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some other embodiments of the IC 100 of FIG. 11A taken along line F-F of FIG. 11B. FIG. 13 illustrates the gate structures 116 as transparent. As shown in FIG. 13, the first GAAFET 126 a, the second GAAFET 126 b, the seventh GAAFET 126 g, and the eighth GAAFET 126 h may be multi-nanostructure-stack GAAFETs.

FIGS. 14A-14C through FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate a series of various views of some embodiments of a method for forming some embodiments of the IC of FIGS. 5A-5C. Figures with a suffix of “A” (e.g., FIG. 14A) illustrate a series of layout views of some embodiments for forming some embodiments of the IC 100 of FIGS. 5A-5C. Figures with the suffix “B” (e.g., FIG. 14B) illustrate a series of cross-sectional views taken along line D-D of corresponding figures of FIGS. 14A-28A (e.g., FIG. 14B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG. 14A taken along line D-D of FIG. 14A). Figures with the suffix “C” (e.g., FIG. 14C) illustrate a series of cross-sectional views taken along line E-E of corresponding figures of FIGS. 14A-28A (e.g., FIG. 14C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG. 14A taken along line E-E of FIG. 14A).

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, a first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers is formed over a base semiconductor structure 1404 (e.g., a semiconductor wafer, semiconductor substrate, etc.). The base semiconductor structure 1404 is or comprises the first semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the base semiconductor structure 1404 has the first lattice orientation.

The first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers comprises alternating layers of a third semiconductor material (e.g., Si, SiGe, Ge, etc.) and a fourth semiconductor material (e.g., Si, SiGe, Ge, etc.). For example, the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers comprises a plurality of first semiconductor layers 1406 and a plurality of second semiconductor layers 1408. The first semiconductor layers 1406 are or comprise the third semiconductor material. The second semiconductor layers 1408 are or comprise the fourth semiconductor material. The third semiconductor material is different than the fourth semiconductor material. For example, the third semiconductor material is Si and the fourth semiconductor material is SiGe. In such embodiments, the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers comprises alternating layers of SiGe and Si.

In some embodiments, the third semiconductor material is the same as the first semiconductor material. For example, both the third semiconductor material and the first semiconductor material are Si. In other embodiments, the third semiconductor material is different than the first semiconductor material. For example, the third semiconductor material is SiGe (or Ge) and the first semiconductor material is Si. In further embodiments, the second semiconductor layers 1408 have the fourth lattice orientation.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers comprises epitaxially forming the first semiconductor layers 1406 and the second semiconductor layers 1408. For example, a first one of the second semiconductor layers 1408 is grown on the base semiconductor structure 1404 by a first epitaxial process, such as, vapor-phase epitaxy (VPE), liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE), molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), some other epitaxial process, or a combination of the foregoing. Thereafter, a first one of the first semiconductor layers 1406 is grown on the first one of the second semiconductor layers 1408 by a second epitaxial process, such as, VPE, LPE, MBE, some other epitaxial process, or a combination of the foregoing. The first epitaxial process and the second epitaxial process are repeated in an alternative manner until the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, a second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers is formed over the base semiconductor structure 1404. In some embodiments, a process for forming the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers comprises forming a first patterned masking layer (not shown) (e.g., positive/negative photoresist, hardmask, etc.) over the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers (see, e.g., FIGS. 14A-14C). In further embodiments, the first patterned masking layer may be formed by forming a masking layer (not shown) over the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers, exposing the masking layer to a pattern (e.g., via a lithography process, such as photolithography, extreme ultraviolet lithography, or the like), and developing the masking layer to form the first patterned masking layer.

Thereafter, a first etching process is performed on the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers to remove unmasked portions of the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers, thereby forming the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers. The first etching process may be a dry etching process, a wet etching process, a reactive ion etching (RIE) process, some other etching process, or a combination of the foregoing. The second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers comprises the portion of the first stack 1402 of semiconductor layers remaining after the first etching process. In some embodiments, the first etching process removes a first portion of the base semiconductor structure 1404 that is disposed on a side of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers, such that the base semiconductor structure 1402 has a first upper surface disposed over a second upper surface. The second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers covers the first upper surface, and the second upper surface is disposed on the side of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers is one stack of semiconductor layers of a first plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers formed by the first etching process. The stacks of semiconductor layers of the first plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers may comprise similar features (e.g., structural features) as the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers. In some embodiments, the stacks of semiconductor layers of the first plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers may be spaced from one another (in the “z” direction). In further embodiments, the stacks of semiconductor layers of the first plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers may extend (in the “y” direction) in parallel with one another.

As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, a third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 is formed over the base semiconductor structure 1404 and on the side of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers. The third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 is or comprises an epitaxial semiconductor material (e.g., a semiconductor material formed by an epitaxial process, such as epitaxial Si, epitaxial Ge, epitaxial SiGe, etc.). In some embodiments, the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 has the second lattice orientation. In further embodiments, the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 is formed with a bottommost surface disposed beneath a bottommost surface of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers. In other embodiments, the bottommost surface of the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 is co-planar with the bottommost surface of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 comprises epitaxially forming the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602. For example, a third epitaxial process is performed to grow the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 from the base semiconductor structure 1404. The third epitaxial process forms the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 on the side of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers and extending vertically (in the “x” direction). In some embodiments, the third epitaxial process may be, for example, VPE, LPE, MBE, some other epitaxial process, or a combination of the foregoing. Thereafter, in some embodiments, a planarization process (e.g., chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP)) is then performed on the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 to co-planarize an uppermost surface of the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 and an uppermost surface of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers.

In some embodiments, the third epitaxial process may be performed with the first patterned masking layer in place masking the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers. In such embodiments, the first patterned masking layer is removed after the third epitaxial process (e.g., via the planarization process). In other embodiments, the first patterned masking layer may be removed before the third epitaxial process is performed. In such embodiments, a second patterned masking layer may be formed masking the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers, and/or the third epitaxial process may be a selective epitaxial process that is more selective to the base semiconductor structure 1404 that the second semiconductor layers 1408.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 is one epitaxial semiconductor structure of a second plurality of epitaxial semiconductor structures formed by the third epitaxial process. The epitaxial semiconductor structures of the second plurality of epitaxial semiconductor structures may comprise similar features (e.g., structural features) as third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602. In some embodiments, epitaxial semiconductor structures of the second plurality of epitaxial semiconductor structures are disposed between the stacks of semiconductor layers of the first plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers.

As shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, a semiconductor substrate 102 is formed, and a plurality of first fins 104 and a plurality of second fins 106 are formed projecting vertically (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 and extending laterally (in the “y” direction) across the semiconductor substrate 102. For example, a third fin 104 a of the first fins 104, a fourth fin 106 a of the second fins 106, and a fifth fin 104 b of the first fins 104 are formed projecting vertically (in the “x” direction) from the semiconductor substrate 102 and extending laterally (in the “y” direction) across the semiconductor substrate 102. In some embodiments, forming the first fins 104 comprises forming a first plurality of epitaxial semiconductor structures 502. For example, forming the third fin 104 a comprises forming a first epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 a, and forming the fifth fin 104 b comprises forming a second epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 b. Further, a third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers is formed over the fourth fin 106 a.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the semiconductor substrate 102, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers comprises forming a third patterned masking layer over the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602, the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers, and the base semiconductor structure 1404 (see, e.g., FIGS. 16A-16C). Thereafter, a second etching process is performed on the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602, the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers, and the base semiconductor structure 1404. The second etching process may be a dry etching process, a wet etching process, a RIE process, some other etching process, or a combination of the foregoing. The second etching process removes unmasked portions of the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602, unmasked portions of the base semiconductor structure 1404, and unmasked portions of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers, thereby forming the semiconductor substrate 102, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers.

The semiconductor substrate 102 comprises a lower portion of the base semiconductor structure 1404 remaining after the second etching process. The third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers comprises a portion of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers remaining after the second etching process. The second fins 106 comprise first upper portions of the base semiconductor structure 1404 remaining after the second etching process. The epitaxial semiconductor structures 502 comprise portions of the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602 remaining after the second etching process. The first fins 104 comprise second upper portions of the base semiconductor structure 1404 remaining after the second etching process and comprise the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502. For example, the third fin 104 a comprises one of the second upper portions of the base semiconductor structure 1404 and the first epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 a, and the fifth fin 104 b comprises another one of the second upper portions of the base semiconductor structure 1404 and the second epitaxial semiconductor structure 502 b. The first upper portions and the second upper portions of the base semiconductor structure 1404 are disposed over the lower portion of the base semiconductor structure 1404.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers is one stack of semiconductor layers of a second plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers that are formed over the second fins 106 by the second etching process. The stacks of semiconductor layers of the second plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers may comprise similar features (e.g., structural features) as the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers.

In some embodiments, the first fins 104 and second fins 106 may be formed by one or more patterning processes. For example, the second fins 106 may be formed by a first patterning process, and the first fins 104 may be formed by a second patterning process that is different than the first patterning process. The first patterning process may comprise forming a fourth patterned masking layer over the third epitaxial semiconductor structure 1602, the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers, and the base semiconductor structure 1404. The fourth patterned masking layer may be formed by exposing a masking layer to a pattern via EUV lithography. Thereafter, a third etching process (e.g., wet etch, dry etch, RIE, etc.) is performed on the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers and the base semiconductor structure 1404 to remove unmasked portions of the second stack 1502 of semiconductor layers and the base semiconductor structure 1404, thereby forming the second fins 106 and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. The second pattering process may be, for example, a mandrel-spacer double patterning process, some other multiple patterning process, or a combination of the foregoing.

As shown in FIGS. 18A-18C, an isolation structure 108 is formed over the semiconductor substrate 102 and between the first fins 104 and the second fins 106. In some embodiments, a process for forming the isolation structure 108 comprise depositing or growing an isolation layer (not shown) on the semiconductor substrate 102, over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and over the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. In further embodiments, the isolation layer may be deposited or grown by, for example, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), thermal oxidation, some other deposition or growth process, or a combination of the foregoing. A planarization process (e.g., CMP) is then performed on the isolation layer to remove an upper portion of the isolation layer. The planarization process may also remove the third patterned masking layer. Thereafter, a fourth etching process (e.g., wet etch, dry etch, RIE, etc.) is performed on the isolation layer to recess the isolation layer below upper surfaces of the first fins 104 and an upper surface of the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers, thereby forming the isolation structure 108.

As shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, a plurality of dummy gate structures 504 are formed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. The dummy gate structures 504 comprise dummy gate material structures 506 and dummy gate dielectric structures 1902. The dummy gate dielectric structures separate the dummy gate material structures 506 from the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. For example, a sixth dummy gate structure 504 h comprises a third dummy gate material structure 506 h and a third dummy gate dielectric structure 1902 h, and a seventh dummy gate structure 504 i comprises a fourth dummy gate material structure 506 i and a fourth dummy gate dielectric structure (not shown). The third dummy gate dielectric structure 1902 h separates the third dummy gate material structure 506 h from the isolation structure 108, the third fin 104 a, the fourth fin 106 a, the fifth fin 104 b, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the dummy gate structures 504 comprises depositing a dummy gate dielectric layer (not shown) covering the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. The dummy gate dielectric layer may be deposited as a conformal layer. The dummy gate dielectric layer may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a high-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 3.9), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. The dummy gate dielectric layer may be deposited by, for example, CVD, PVD, ALD, some other deposition process, or a combination of the foregoing. A dummy gate material layer (not shown) is then deposited on the dummy gate dielectric layer and covering the dummy gate dielectric layer. The dummy gate material layer may be deposited by, for example, CVD, PVD, ALD, some other deposition process, or a combination of the foregoing.

Thereafter, a fifth patterned masking layer is formed over the dummy gate material layer. In some embodiments, the fifth patterned masking layer may comprise a stack of dielectric materials. For example, the fifth patterned masking layer may comprise a first dielectric layer (e.g., SiO₂), a second dielectric layer (e.g. SiN) disposed over the first dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer (e.g., SiO₂) disposed over the second dielectric layer. A fifth etching process is the performed to remove unmasked portions of the dummy gate material layer and dummy gate dielectric layer, thereby forming the dummy gate structures 504. The fifth etching process may be a dry etching process, a wet etching process, a RIE process, some other etching process, or a combination of the foregoing. The dummy gate material structures 506 comprise portions of the dummy gate material layer remaining after the fifth etching process. The dummy gate dielectric structures 1902 comprise portions of the dummy gate dielectric layer remaining after the fifth etching process. For example, the third dummy gate material structure 506 h comprises a first portion of the dummy gate material layer remaining after the fifth etching process, and the third dummy gate dielectric structure 1902 h comprises a second portion of the dummy gate dielectric layer remaining after the fifth etching process.

As shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, a first spacer layer 2002 is formed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers, and the dummy gate structures 504. In some embodiments, the first spacer layer 2002 is formed as a conformal layer. In further embodiments, the first spacer layer 2002 is formed over the fifth patterned masking layer. The first spacer layer 2002 may comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a nitride (e.g., SiN), an oxy-nitride (e.g., SiO_(X)N_(Y)), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, a process for forming the first spacer layer 2002 comprises depositing the first spacer layer 2002 on the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers, and the dummy gate structures 504. The first spacer layer 2002 may be deposited by, for example, PVD, CVD, ALD, some other deposition process, or a combination of the foregoing.

As shown in FIGS. 21A-21C, a plurality of first sidewall spacers 202 are formed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. The first sidewall spacers 202 are formed extending along sidewalls of the dummy gate structures 504 (in the “x” direction). For example, the first sidewall spacers 202 comprise a second sidewall spacer 202 a. The second sidewall spacer 202 a is disposed over the isolation structure 108, the third fin 104 a, the fifth fin 104 b, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. In some embodiments, the second sidewall spacer 202 a contacts the isolation structure 108, the third fin 104 a, the fifth fin 104 b, and the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers. In further embodiments, a process for forming the first sidewall spacers 202 comprises performing a sixth etching process (e.g., wet etch, dry etch, RIE, etc.) on the first spacer layer 2002 to remove the first spacer layer 2002 from horizontal surfaces, thereby leaving portions of the first spacer layer 2002 along sidewalls of the dummy gate structures 504 as the first sidewall spacers 202. In yet further embodiments, the sixth etching process may expose the fifth patterned masking layer.

As shown in FIGS. 22A-22C, a third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers are formed over the fourth fin 106 a. The dummy gate structures 504 and the first sidewall spacers 202 cover the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. For example, the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers comprises a fourth stack 2202 b of semiconductor layers, a fifth stack 2202 d of semiconductor layers, and a sixth stack 2202 c of semiconductor layers. The sixth dummy gate structure 504 h and the second sidewall spacer 202 a cover the fourth stack 2202 b of semiconductor layers.

Also shown in FIGS. 22A-22C, portions of the first fins 104 are recessed below the upper surface of the isolation structure 108, such that first sections 2204 of the first fins 104 have first upper surfaces 2204 u disposed beneath the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. The first sections 2204 of the first fins 104 are disposed between the dummy gate structures 504. Further, portions of the second fins 106 are recessed below the upper surface of the isolation structure 108, such that second sections 2206 of the second fins 106 have second upper surfaces 2206 u disposed beneath the upper surface of the isolation structure 108. The second sections 2206 of the second fins 106 are disposed between the dummy gate structures 504. In some embodiments, the portions of the first fins 104 that are recessed below the upper surface of the isolation structure 108 are portions of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502. In such embodiments, the first upper surfaces 2204 u of the first sections 2204 of the first fins 104 correspond to upper surfaces of the epitaxial semiconductor structures 502.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers comprises performing a seventh etching process on the third stack 1702 of semiconductor layers (see, e.g., FIGS. 21A-21C). The seventh etching process removes portions of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers that are not masked by the dummy gate structures 504 (and/or fifth patterned masking layer) and the first sidewall spacers 202, thereby forming the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. In further embodiments, a process for recessing the portions of the first fins 104 and the portions of the second fins below the upper surface of the isolation structure 108 comprises removing portions of the first fins 104 and portions of the second fins 106 disposed between the dummy gate structures 504. In yet further embodiments, the seventh etching process removes the portions of the first fins 104 and the portions of the second fins 106 disposed between the dummy gate structures 504. The seventh etching process may remove the portions of the first fins 104 and the portions of the second fins 106 disposed between the dummy gate structures 504 due to such portions not being masked by the dummy gate structures 504 (and/or the fifth patterned masking layer) and the first sidewall spacers 202.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the stacks of semiconductor layers of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers are stacks of semiconductor layers of a fourth plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers that are formed over the second fins 106. For example, the fourth plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers also comprises a fifth plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers that are formed over one of the second fins 106 that is different than the fourth fin 106 a. The stacks of semiconductor layers of the fourth plurality of stacks of semiconductor layers may comprise similar features (e.g., structural features) as the stacks of semiconductor layers of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers.

As shown in FIGS. 23A-23C, a plurality of third sidewall spacers 204 are formed along opposite sidewalls of the second semiconductor layers 1408 (see, e.g., FIGS. 22A-22C) of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. The sidewall spacers of the third sidewall spacers 204 are separated from one another (in the “x” direction) by the first semiconductor layers 1406 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layer. For example, the third sidewall spacers 204 comprises a first group of the third sidewall spacers 204. The first group of the third sidewall spacers 204 comprises a plurality of fourth sidewall spacers 204 a. The fourth sidewall spacers 204 a are formed along opposite sidewalls of the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the fourth stack 2202 b of semiconductor layers. The fourth sidewall spacers 204 a are spaced from one another (in the “x” direction) by the first semiconductor layers 1406 of the fourth stack 2202 b of semiconductor layers.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the third sidewall spacers 204 comprises performing an eighth etching process (e.g., wet etch) on the third plurality of stacks 2202 to selectively remove outer portions of the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. The eighth etching process is more selective to the second semiconductor layers 1408 than the first semiconductor layers 1406 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. By removing the outer portions of the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers, the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers are laterally recessed (in the “y” direction) in relation to the first semiconductor layers 1406 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. In other words, after the outer portions of the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers are removed, opposite outer sidewalls of the second semiconductor layers 1408 are disposed between opposite outer sidewalls of the first semiconductor layers 1406 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers.

Thereafter, a second spacer layer (not shown) is deposited over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layer, the dummy gate structures 504 (and/or fifth patterned masking layer), and the first sidewall spacers 202. In some embodiments, second spacer layer may be deposited as a conformal layer. In further embodiments, the second spacer layer may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a nitride (e.g., SiN), an oxy-nitride (e.g., SiO_(X)N_(Y)), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. The spacer layer may be deposited by, for example, CVD, PVD, ALD, some other deposition process, or a combination of the foregoing.

A ninth etching process is then performed on the second spacer layer to partially remove the second spacer layer, thereby leaving portions of the second spacer layer along the opposite sidewalls of the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers as the third sidewall spacers 204. More specifically, in some embodiments, the ninth etching process is an anisotropic etch that removes the material of the second spacer layer (in the “x” direction). Because the second semiconductor layers 1408 is laterally recessed in relation to the first semiconductor layers 1406, the anisotropic etch removes the second spacer layer from horizontal surfaces, sidewalls of the first sidewall spacers 202, and sidewalls of the first semiconductor layers 1406, thereby forming the third sidewall spacers 204 along the opposite sidewalls of the second semiconductor layers 1408. In further embodiments, the ninth etching process may be, for example, a plasma etching process, a dry etching process, RIE, some other etching process, or a combination of the foregoing.

As shown in FIGS. 24A-24C, pairs of first source/drain regions 110 and pairs of second source/drain regions 114 are formed over the semiconductor substrate 102. The pairs of first source/drain regions are formed over the first fins 104, and the pairs of second source/drain regions are formed over the second fins 106. For example, a first pair 110 a of the first source/drain regions 110 is formed over the third fin 104 a and the fifth fin 104 b, and a second pair 114 a of the second source/drain regions 114 is formed over the fourth fin 106 a. The first source/drain regions 110 and the second source/drain regions 114 are formed between the dummy gate structures 504 and between the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the first source/drain regions 110 and the second source/drain regions 114 comprises epitaxially forming the first source/drain regions 110 and the second source/drain regions 114. For example, a fourth epitaxial process is performed to grow the first source/drain regions 110 from the first sections 2204 (see, e.g., FIGS. 23A-23C) of the first fins 104, and a fifth epitaxial process is performed to grow the second source/drain regions 114 from the second sections 2206 (see, e.g., FIGS. 23A-23C) of the second fins 106. In some embodiments, the fourth epitaxial process may be, for example, VPE, LPE, MBE, some other epitaxial process, or a combination of the foregoing. The fourth epitaxial process may in-situ dope the first source/drain regions 110 with first doping type dopants (e.g., p-type dopants, such as boron atoms). In further embodiments, the fifth epitaxial process may be, for example, VPE, LPE, MBE, some other epitaxial process, or a combination of the foregoing. The fifth epitaxial process may in-situ dope the second source/drain regions 114 with second doping type dopants (e.g., n-type dopants, such as phosphorus atoms).

As shown in FIGS. 25A-25C, a first ILD layer 206 a is formed over the isolation structure 108, the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, the third sidewall spacers 204, and the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. In some embodiments, a process for forming the first ILD layer 206 a comprises depositing the first ILD layer 206 a on and covering the isolation structure 108, the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, the first sidewall spacers 202, and the dummy gate structures 504 (or fifth patterned masking layer). Thereafter, a planarization process (e.g., CMP) is performed on the first ILD layer 206 a to remove an upper portion of the first ILD layer 206 a, thereby exposing the dummy gate structures 504 and the first sidewall spacers 202. In some embodiments, the planarization process may co-planarize upper surfaces of the first ILD layer 206 a, the dummy gate structures 504, and the first sidewall spacers 202. In further embodiments, the planarization process may remove the fifth patterned masking layer.

As shown in FIGS. 26A-26C, one or more of the dummy gate structures 504 are removed. The removal of the one or more of the dummy gate structures 504 exposes one or more of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers, portions of the first fins 104 disposed between the first source/drain regions 110, and portions of the second fins 106 disposed between the second source/drain regions 114. For example, the sixth dummy gate structure 504 h is removed, thereby exposing the fourth stack 2202 b of semiconductor layers, a first portion of the third fin 104 a disposed between the first source/drain regions 110 of the first pair 110 a, and a second portion of the fifth fin 104 b disposed between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a.

In some embodiments, a process for removing the one or more of the dummy gate structures 504 comprises forming a sixth patterned masking layer (not shown) over the first ILD layer 206 a, the dummy gate structures 504, and the first sidewall spacers 202. The sixth patterned masking layer exposes the one or more of the dummy gate structures 504. An eleventh etching process (e.g., wet etch, dry etch, etc.) is the performed to remove unmasked dummy gate material structures 506, thereby removing the dummy gate material structures 506 of the one or more dummy gate structures 504. Thereafter, a twelfth etching process (e.g., wet etch, dry etch, etc.) is performed to selectively remove the dummy gate dielectric structures 1902 that were exposed by the eleventh etching process.

As shown in FIGS. 27A-27C, a plurality of nanostructure stacks 111 are formed over the second fins 106. The nanostructure stacks 111 comprise a plurality of nanostructures 112. For example, a first nanostructure stack 111 a is disposed over the fourth fin 106 a. The first nanostructure stack 111 a comprises a first plurality of nanostructures 112 a that are vertically stacked over one another (in the “y” direction). The first plurality of nanostructures 112 a extend laterally (in the “y” direction) between the second source/drain regions 114 of the second pair 114 a.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the nanostructure stacks 111 comprises removing the second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers that were exposed by the removal of the one or more dummy gate structures 504, thereby forming the plurality of nanostructures 112. The second semiconductor layers 1408 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers may be removed by performing a thirteenth etching process (e.g., wet etch) that selectively etches the second semiconductor layers 1408 against the first semiconductor layers 1406 of the third plurality of stacks 2202 of semiconductor layers. In some embodiments, the thirteenth etching process may be selectively removed by using a wet etchant, such as, ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH), tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution, ethylenediamine pyrocatechol (EDP), potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 28A-28C, a plurality of gate structures 116 are formed over the isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the nanostructure stacks 111. In some embodiments, the gate structures 116 are formed extending continuously (in the “z” direction) across the isolation structure 108, over the first fins 104, over the second fins 106, and around the plurality of nanostructures 112. The gate structures 116 comprise a plurality of gate electrode structures 118 and a plurality of gate dielectric structures 120. The gate dielectric structures 120 separate the gate electrode structures 118 from the first fins 104, the second fins 106, and the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the gate structures 116 comprises depositing a gate dielectric layer (not shown) around each of the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112 and on exposed portions of isolation structure 108, the first fins 104, and the second fins 106. In further embodiments, the gate dielectric layer is also deposited on exposed inner sidewalls of the first sidewall spacers 202 and over the first sidewall spacers 202, the dummy gate structures 504, and the first ILD layer 206 a. The gate dielectric layer may be deposited as a conformal layer. The gate dielectric layer may be or comprise, for example, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂), a high-k dielectric (e.g., a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 3.9), some other dielectric material, or a combination of the foregoing. The gate dielectric layer may be multi-layered, for example, comprising one or more interfacial layers. The gate dielectric layer may be deposited by, for example, CVD, ALD, some other deposition process, or a combination of the foregoing.

Thereafter, a gate electrode layer (not shown) is deposited on the gate dielectric layer and around each of the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures 112. The gate electrode layer may be formed with an upper surface that is disposed over the upper surface of the first ILD layer 206 a. The gate electrode layer may be or comprise, for example, polysilicon (e.g., doped polysilicon), a metal (e.g., Al, W, etc.), some other conductive material, or a combination of the foregoing. The gate electrode layer may be multi-layered, for example, comprising a work function metal layer (e.g., TiN, TaN, or the like), a metal fill layer (e.g., W), etc. In some embodiments, the gate electrode layer may be deposited by, for example, CVD, PVD, ALD, electrochemical plating, electroless plating, some other deposition process, or a combination of the foregoing. A planarization process (e.g., CMP) is then performed on the gate electrode layer and the gate dielectric layer to remove upper portions of the gate electrode layer and the gate dielectric layer, thereby forming the gate electrode structures 118 and the gate dielectric structures 120. The planarization process may co-planarize upper surfaces of the first sidewall spacers 202, the gate electrode structures 118, the gate dielectric structures 120, the first ILD layer 206 a, and the dummy gate material structures 506.

As shown in FIGS. 29A-29C, a second ILD layer 206 b is formed over the first ILD layer 206 a, the gate structures 116, the dummy gate structures 504, and the first sidewall spacers 202. Further, a plurality of conductive contacts 208 are formed in the first ILD layer 206 a and the second ILD layer 206 b and over the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, and the gate structures 116. The conductive contacts 208 are formed extending vertically (in the “x” direction) from the first source/drain regions 110, the second source/drain regions 114, and/or the gate structures 116.

In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 208 are formed extending laterally (in the “z” direction and/or the “y” direction) through the first ILD layer 206 a and/or the second ILD layer 206 b. For example, some of the conductive contacts of the conductive contacts 208 are formed extending laterally (in the “z” direction) through the first ILD layer 206 a, such that the some of the conductive contacts 208 contact (and electrically couple) one or more first source/drain regions 110 and/or one or more second source/drain regions 114. Some other conductive contacts of the conductive contacts 208 may be formed extending laterally (in the “y” direction) through the second ILD layer 206 b, such that the some other conductive contacts of the conductive contacts 208 contact (and electrically couple) one or more gate structures 116.

In some embodiments, a process for forming the second ILD layer 206 b and the conductive contacts 208 comprises depositing the second ILD layer 206 b over the first ILD layer 206 a, the gate structures 116, and the first sidewall spacers 202. Thereafter, a plurality of contact openings (or trenches) are formed extending through the second ILD layer 206 b and/or the first ILD layer 206 a. A conductive material (e.g., W) is then formed on the second ILD layer 206 b and in the contact openings (or trenches). Thereafter, a planarization process (e.g., CMP) is performed on the conductive material to form the conductive contacts 208. In further embodiments, none of the conductive contacts 208 are contacting the dummy gate structures 504. While not shown, it will be appreciated that any number of additional ILD layers/structures may be formed over the second ILD layer 206 b, and any number of other conductive features (e.g., metal lines, metal vias, etc.) may be formed in the additional ILD layers/structures to form an interconnect structure (e.g., copper interconnect) embedded in an ILD structure 206 that interconnects various semiconductor devices of the IC 100.

FIGS. 26A-26C through 28A-28C illustrate some embodiments of a process comprising the removal of the sixth dummy gate structure 504 h and the seventh dummy gate structure 504 i, the formation of the first nanostructure stack 111 a and the third nanostructure stack 111 b, and the formation of a first gate structure 116 a and a second gate structure 116 b. However, it will be appreciated, that in some embodiments, the first dummy gate structure 504 a, the second dummy gate structure 504 b, and/or the third dummy gate structure 504 c may also be removed (see, e.g., FIGS. 26A-26C). In such embodiments, during the process, the dummy gate structures 504 may be referred to as sacrificial gate structures. For example, the first dummy gate structure 504 a is referred to as a first sacrificial gate structure and the sixth dummy gate structure 504 h is referred to as a second sacrificial gate structure. In further such embodiments, after the sacrificial gate structures are removed, additional nanostructure stacks may be formed. For example, the second nanostructure stack 111 c (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C) may be formed (see, e.g., FIGS. 27A-27C). In further such embodiments, after the additional nanostructures are formed, dummy gate structures comprising similar features (e.g., structural features) as the gate structures 116 may be formed over the additional nanostructure stacks. For example, the first dummy gate structure 504 a may be formed comprising similar features as the gate structures 116 and over the second nano structure stack 111 c. In further such embodiments, the dummy gate structures may be distinguished from the gate structures 116 due to the dummy gate structures not being electrically coupled to any of the conductive contacts 208 (or any other overlying conductive features of the interconnect structure).

FIG. 30 illustrates a flowchart of some embodiments of a method for forming an integrated chip (IC) comprising a semiconductor device with improved device performance. While the flowchart 3000 of FIG. 30 is illustrated and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. Further, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein, and one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases.

At act 3002, a first stack of semiconductor layers is formed over a base semiconductor structure, where the first stack of semiconductor layers comprises a plurality of first semiconductor layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers. FIGS. 14A-14C through FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a series of various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3002.

At act 3004, a first epitaxial structure is formed over the base semiconductor structure and on a side of the first stack of semiconductor layers. FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3004.

At act 3006, a semiconductor substrate, a first fin, a second fin, and a second stack of semiconductor layers are formed by selectively removing portions of the first epitaxial structure, the base semiconductor substrate, and the first stack of semiconductor layers. FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3006.

At act 3008, an isolation structure is formed over the semiconductor substrate and between the first fin and the second fin. FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3008.

At act 3010, a dummy gate structure is formed over the isolation structure, the first fin, the second fin, and the second sack of semiconductor layers. FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3010.

At act 3012, a third stack of semiconductor layers is formed over the second fin by selectively removing portions of the second stack of semiconductor layers. FIGS. 20A-20C through FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate a series of various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3012.

At act 3014, a pair of first source/drain regions is formed over the first fin and a pair of second source/drain regions is formed over the second fin. FIGS. 23A-23C through FIGS. 24A-24C illustrate a series of various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3014.

At act 3016, a nanostructure stack comprising a plurality of nanostructures is formed over the second fin and between the second source/drain regions by selectively removing the second semiconductor layers of the third stack of semiconductor layers. FIGS. 25A-25C through FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate a series of various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3016.

At act 3018, a gate structure is formed over the isolation structure, over the first fins, over the second fin, and around the nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures, where the gate structure extends between the first source/drain regions and the second source/drain regions. FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3018.

At act 3020, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) structure is formed over the isolation structure, the first fin, the second fin, the first source/drain regions, the second source/drain regions, and the gate structure, where one or more conductive contacts are disposed in the ILD structure. FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate various cross-sectional views of some embodiments corresponding to act 3020.

In some embodiments, the present application provides an integrated chip (IC). The IC comprises a first semiconductor fin projecting vertically from a semiconductor substrate. A second semiconductor fin projects vertically from the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second semiconductor fin is spaced from the first semiconductor fin in a first direction, and wherein the first semiconductor fin has a first uppermost surface disposed over a second uppermost surface of the second semiconductor fin. A nanostructure stack is disposed directly over the second semiconductor fin and vertically spaced from the second semiconductor fin, wherein the nanostructure stack comprises a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures that are vertically stacked. A pair of first source/drain regions is disposed on the first semiconductor fin, wherein the first source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of an upper portion of the first semiconductor fin. A pair of second source/drain regions is disposed on the second semiconductor fin, wherein the second source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of the nanostructure stack.

In some embodiments, the present application provides an integrated chip (IC) The IC comprises an isolation structure disposed over a semiconductor substrate. A first semiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin project vertically from the semiconductor substrate through the isolation structure, wherein the first semiconductor fin is spaced from the second semiconductor fin, and wherein the first semiconductor fin has a first uppermost surface disposed below a second uppermost surface of the second semiconductor fin. A first semiconductor device is disposed over the semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor device comprises a first gate-all-around field-effect transistor (GAAFET) and a first fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) disposed over the semiconductor substrate. The first GAAFET comprises: (1) a first pair of first source/drain regions disposed over the first semiconductor fin; and (2) a first nanostructure stack disposed over and vertical spaced from the first semiconductor fin, wherein the first nanostructure stack comprises a first plurality of semiconductor nanostructures that extend laterally between the first source/drain regions of the first pair, and wherein the first plurality of semiconductor nanostructures have a first width. The first FinFET comprises: (1) a second pair of second source/drain regions disposed over the second semiconductor fin; and (2) a first upper portion of the second semiconductor fin that extends laterally between the second source/drain regions of the second pair, wherein the second semiconductor fin has a second width.

In some embodiments, the present application provides method for forming an integrated chip (IC). The method comprises receiving a workpiece comprising a semiconductor substrate, an isolation structure disposed over the semiconductor substrate, a first semiconductor fin projecting vertically through the isolation structure, a second semiconductor fin spaced from the first semiconductor fin and projecting vertically thorough the isolation structure, and a first stack of semiconductor layers disposed directly over the second semiconductor fin, wherein the first stack of semiconductor layers comprises a plurality of first semiconductor layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers that are different than the first semiconductor layers. A dummy gate structure is formed over the isolation structure, the first semiconductor fin, the second semiconductor fin, and the first stack of semiconductor layers. A second stack of semiconductor layers is formed by removing portions of the first semiconductor layers and portions of the second semiconductor layers that are disposed on opposite sides of the dummy gate structure. A pair of first source/drain regions are formed directly over the first semiconductor fin and on the opposite sides of the dummy gate structure. A pair of second source/drain regions are formed directly over the second semiconductor fin and on the opposite sides of the dummy gate structure. The dummy gate structure is removed from between the first source/drain regions and the second source/drain regions. A nanostructure stack comprising a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures is formed directly over the second semiconductor fin by selectively removing the second semiconductor layers of the second stack of semiconductor layers. A gate structure is formed between the first source/drain regions and the second source/drain regions, wherein the gate structure is formed over the isolation structure, over the first semiconductor fin, over the second semiconductor fin, and around the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

1. An integrated chip (IC), comprising: a first semiconductor fin projecting vertically from a semiconductor substrate; a second semiconductor fin projecting vertically from the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second semiconductor fin is spaced from the first semiconductor fin in a first direction, and wherein the first semiconductor fin has a first uppermost surface disposed over a second uppermost surface of the second semiconductor fin; a nanostructure stack disposed directly over the second semiconductor fin and vertically spaced from the second semiconductor fin, wherein the nanostructure stack comprises a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures that are vertically stacked; a pair of first source/drain regions disposed on the first semiconductor fin, wherein the first source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of an upper portion of the first semiconductor fin; and a pair of second source/drain regions disposed on the second semiconductor fin, wherein the second source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of the nanostructure stack.
 2. The IC of claim 1, wherein: the semiconductor nanostructures are vertically spaced from one another; and an uppermost point of an uppermost semiconductor nanostructure of the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures is disposed below the first uppermost surface.
 3. The IC of claim 2, further comprising: a first gate structure disposed over the semiconductor substrate, over the first semiconductor fin, and between the first source/drain regions, wherein the first gate structure extends vertically along opposite sidewalls of the first semiconductor fin and laterally across the first uppermost surface; and a second gate structure disposed over the semiconductor substrate, over the second semiconductor fin, over the nanostructure stack, and between the second source/drain regions, wherein a first portion of the second gate structure wraps around the semiconductor nanostructures and a second portion of the second gate structure is disposed directly between and vertically between the second uppermost surface and the nanostructure stack.
 4. The IC of claim 1, further comprising: an isolation structure disposed over the semiconductor substrate and laterally separating the first semiconductor fin from the second semiconductor fin, wherein the first uppermost surface is disposed over an upper surface of the isolation structure, and wherein the second uppermost surface is substantially co-planar with the upper surface of the isolation structure.
 5. The IC of claim 4, further comprising: a third gate structure disposed over the isolation structure, over the first semiconductor fin, and between the first source/drain regions, wherein the third gate structure comprises a first gate dielectric structure and a first gate electrode structure, and wherein a first lower surface of the first gate dielectric structure contacts the first uppermost surface; and a fourth gate structure disposed over the isolation structure, over the second semiconductor fin, over the nanostructure stack, and between the second source/drain regions, wherein the fourth gate structure comprises a second gate dielectric structure and a second gate electrode structure, wherein fourth portions of the second gate dielectric structure wrap around the semiconductor nanostructures, and wherein a third portion of the second gate dielectric structure has a second lower surface that contacts the second uppermost surface.
 6. The IC of claim 5, wherein: a fifth portion of the second gate electrode structure is disposed directly between and vertically between the third portion of the second gate dielectric structure and the nanostructure stack; and the fifth portion is disposed vertically between the first lower surface and the upper surface of the isolation structure.
 7. The IC of claim 4, further comprising: a fifth gate structure disposed over the isolation structure, the first semiconductor fin, the second semiconductor fin, and the nanostructure stack, wherein: the fifth gate structure extends continuously between the first source/drain regions and between the second source/drain regions in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the fifth gate structure comprises a third gate dielectric structure and a third gate electrode structure; sixth portions of the third gate dielectric structure wrap around the semiconductor nanostructures; and a seventh portion of the third gate dielectric structure extends continuously in the second direction, such that the seventh portion of the third gate dielectric structure extends continuously between the nanostructure stack and the second semiconductor fin, across the isolation structure, along a first sidewall of the upper portion of the first semiconductor fin, across the first uppermost surface, and along a second sidewall of the first semiconductor fin, wherein the second sidewall is spaced from the first sidewall in the second direction.
 8. The IC of claim 7, wherein: the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures comprises a first semiconductor nanostructure and a second semiconductor nanostructure; the first semiconductor nanostructure neighbors the second semiconductor nanostructure; an eighth portion of the third gate electrode structure is disposed directly between and vertically between the first semiconductor nanostructure and the second semiconductor nanostructure; and the eighth portion of the third gate electrode structure is disposed vertically between the first uppermost surface and the upper surface of the isolation structure.
 9. An integrated chip (IC), comprising: an isolation structure disposed over a semiconductor substrate; a first semiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin projecting vertically from the semiconductor substrate through the isolation structure, wherein the first semiconductor fin is spaced from the second semiconductor fin, and wherein the first semiconductor fin has a first uppermost surface disposed below a second uppermost surface of the second semiconductor fin; a first semiconductor device disposed over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first semiconductor device comprises: a first gate-all-around field-effect transistor (GAAFET) disposed over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first GAAFET comprises: a first pair of first source/drain regions disposed over the first semiconductor fin; and a first nanostructure stack disposed over and vertical spaced from the first semiconductor fin, wherein the first nanostructure stack comprises a first plurality of semiconductor nanostructures that extend laterally between the first source/drain regions of the first pair, and wherein the first plurality of semiconductor nanostructures have a first width; and a first fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) disposed over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first FinFET comprises: a second pair of second source/drain regions disposed over the second semiconductor fin; and a first upper portion of the second semiconductor fin that extends laterally between the second source/drain regions of the second pair, wherein the second semiconductor fin has a second width.
 10. The IC of claim 9, wherein the second width is less than or equal to the first width.
 11. The IC of claim 9, wherein: the first upper portion of the first semiconductor fin has a first lattice orientation; and the first plurality of semiconductor nanostructures have a second lattice orientation that is different than the first lattice orientation.
 12. The IC of claim 11, wherein the semiconductor substrate has a third lattice orientation that is the same as the second lattice orientation.
 13. The IC of claim 12, wherein the first lattice orientation is (110), the second lattice orientation is (100), and the third lattice orientation is (100).
 14. The IC of claim 13, wherein the first GAAFET is a n-channel GAAAFET and the first FinFET is a p-channel FinFET.
 15. The IC of claim 12, wherein the first lattice orientation is (100), the second lattice orientation is (110), and the third lattice orientation is (110).
 16. The IC of claim 15, wherein the first GAAFET is a p-channel GAAAFET and the first FinFET is a n-channel FinFET.
 17. The IC of claim 9, further comprising: a third semiconductor fin projecting vertically from the semiconductor substrate through the isolation structure, wherein the third semiconductor fin is spaced from both the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin, and wherein the third semiconductor fin has a third uppermost surface disposed over the first uppermost surface; a second GAAFET disposed over the semiconductor substrate and on a first side of the first GAAFET, wherein the second GAAFET comprising: a third pair of first source/drain regions disposed over the first semiconductor fin; and a second nanostructure stack disposed over and vertically spaced from the first semiconductor fin, wherein the second nanostructure stack comprises a second plurality of semiconductor nanostructures that extend laterally between the first source/drain regions of the third pair, wherein the second plurality of semiconductor nanostructures have a third width; and a second FinFET disposed over the semiconductor substrate and on a second side of the first FinFET, wherein the second FinFET comprises: a fourth pair of second source/drain regions disposed over the second semiconductor fin and the third semiconductor fin; a second upper portion of the second semiconductor fin that extends laterally between the second source/drain regions of the fourth pair; and a third upper portion of the third semiconductor fin that extends laterally between the second source/drain regions of the fourth pair, wherein the third semiconductor fin has a fourth width.
 18. The IC of claim 17, wherein: the second width is less than or equal to the first width; the fourth width is substantially the same as the second width; and the third width is greater than the first width.
 19. The IC of claim 18, further comprising: a first gate structure disposed over the isolation structure and between the first source/drain regions of the first pair, wherein the first gate structure contacts the first semiconductor fin and the first plurality of semiconductor nanostructures; a second gate structure disposed over the isolation structure and between the second source/drain regions of the second pair, wherein the second gate structure contacts the first upper portion of the second semiconductor fin, a third gate structure disposed over the isolation structure and between the first source/drain regions of the third pair, wherein the third gate structure contacts the first semiconductor fin and the second plurality of semiconductor nanostructures; a fourth gate structure disposed over the isolation structure and between the second source/drain regions of the fourth pair, wherein the fourth gate structure contacts the second upper portion of the second semiconductor fin and contacts the third upper portion of the third semiconductor fin; and a dummy gate structure disposed over the isolation structure and extending between the first pair of first source/drain regions and the third pair of first source/drain regions and extending between the second pair of second source/drain regions and the fourth pair of second source/drain regions, wherein a sidewall of the third semiconductor fin is disposed between opposite sidewalls of the dummy gate structure.
 20. (canceled)
 21. An integrated chip (IC), comprising: a first semiconductor fin projecting vertically from a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate has a first lattice orientation; a second semiconductor fin projecting vertically from the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second semiconductor fin is laterally spaced from the first semiconductor fin; a nanostructure stack disposed directly over the second semiconductor fin and vertically spaced from the second semiconductor fin, wherein the nanostructure stack comprises a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures that are vertically stacked, and wherein the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures have the first lattice orientation; a pair of first source/drain regions disposed on the first semiconductor fin, wherein the first source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of an upper portion of the first semiconductor fin, and wherein the upper portion of the first semiconductor fin has a second lattice orientation that is different than the first lattice orientation; and a pair of second source/drain regions disposed on the second semiconductor fin, wherein the second source/drain regions are disposed on opposite sides of the nanostructure stack. 